Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They lived under a bodega that sold bongs out of the back office. 

It was simple living at best, near the beach but all concrete and harsh edges; stuffed with random side of the road furniture found over the years, lightbulbs hung from metal rafters and old holiday lights wrapped around pipes in the ceiling. In the back a dark maze-like hallway led to the closet sized rooms they all dwelled in. 

In the corner behind their beaten up couch a round table was set up and the crew sat drunkenly around it, already too deep into a second six pack and a game of cards. 

Jordan sat with his feet propped up on the edge of the table, laughter hidden behind his bottle as he glanced over his hand. 

To his left Dan was already out and he watched the game curiously. To his right Sly was deeply transfixed on his hand, determined to win this round. 

Next to him Brett was glancing angrily between his hand and Aleks who sat across the table from him with a smug smile on his face. 

The Russian glanced around before slowly fanning out his hand to reveal another flush. 

The crew groaned and Sly screamed a few Spanish expletives. James threw his hand angrily at Aleks’ head causing cards to fly everywhere.

“This asshole is gonna bleed me dry” Seamus muttered as he tossed his cards down and stood from the table. 

Brett was still glaring at Aleks as the younger laughed and tucked his hands behind his head. 

“You’re counting,” Brett declared as he slapped his cards down. 

“I am definitely not,” Aleks replied, smirk still plastered on his face. 

“Then you’re sharking” Brett sputtered as he stood from the table in a rush and pointed accusingly.

“What?” Aleks replied with a laugh. 

“You’re cheating you fucking bitch!” 

The others booed and Jordan gave him a pointed look. Brett huffed and flipped them off before turning towards the hall. 

“You know I love it when you talk dirty Brett '' Aleks called after him, drunk enough to ignore the glare Jordan gave him. 

Brett huffed and smacked the wall hard before turning back to them. 

“Do you want to fight, is that what you want?!” He growled. 

“Yeah actually I do let’s go come here” Aleks replied as he stood from the table. 

The others groaned, all too familiar with the type of rough housing the two got up to when they had been drinking. 

“Uh oh” Dan breathed as he moved farther back from the table. 

“Here we go again” Seamus muttered from where he was laying on the couch. 

“Don’t fight!” Jordan demanded as he rubbed his temple, even though he knew it wasn’t going to help. 

They met in the middle and Aleks got a good slap in before Brett was grabbing for him. 

The dance was familiar to them, push and pull push and pull, until Brett suddenly had him doubled over in a headlock. 

“Not so tough now right? You think you’re so big huh?” He taunted as Aleks clawed at his arms. 

The dance continued until Aleks foot connected with Brett's crotch and he fell to his knees with a flourish. 

Aleks twirled out of his grip and landed a good blow to his stomach as well, reveling in the pained noise Brett let out. 

“That was fucking dirty!” The older man yelled as Aleks loomed over him. 

“This isn’t” Aleks replied before he landed a clean punch across Brett's face, causing him to yell out as he hit the carpet with a thud. 

Aleks laughed and put his hands up in the air as if he’d won a boxing match but nobody else seemed amused.

Brett pulled himself back up, revealing a river of blood flowing from his nose, over his lip and down his chin. 

“You’re a dirty whore” he muttered as he held his nose.

Aleks continued to laugh and squatted down in front of him. 

“Yeah? Well this dirty whore just kicked your ass so what’s that make you?” 

“Are you two done?” Jordan asked as he gathered the strewn cards from the table. 

“Yeah yeah we’re done” Aleks replied as he stood and put his hand out for Brett. 

Brett took it and let himself be pulled to his feet. Aleks didn’t let go though and began to lead him towards the hallway. 

“Come on you big baby, let’s get you some ice”. 

The bathroom was small and dingy from years of erosion and use. Tiles cracked and coming up from the walls, the hint of past blood pools still faintly stained on the floor and in the tub; one to many jobs gone wrong in the early days. 

“Did you have to hit me that hard?” Brett asked from his spot on the edge of the tub as Aleks stood over him, gently patting at his nose. 

“I mean...you did ask for it” the younger replied with a smirk as he reached into the first aid kit for another cotton ball. 

They had been friends for awhile now, years probably but neither could remember anymore. 

Aleks had saved him one time too many, shoving him out of the way of a bullet, stitching him up when he was hit by another. 

Brett always returned the favor, he’d saved Aleks too, in different ways. He let him rant constantly; about jobs gone bad, about Jordan and the shortcomings in their relationship, about how annoying James could be. Brett was the first person he called when there was news and Aleks was the first person he called before he blacked out. 

Brett had been in the game since he was 15. 

He was born into it, raised in it, knew nothing but it. 

A life like that leads to a series of issues, issues that ran deep in the roots of his family, when he started showing signs of paranoia he wasn’t surprised in the slightest. 

He was alone in the world by twenty-four, a gun for hire who saw things in the corners of his eyes, things that didn’t exist, or maybe they did and they were too quick for him to see. 

He combated it with a cocktail of drugs and alcohol, things that will keep him awake, things that will keep him from facing whatever demons he saw when he closed his eyes at night. 

He was awake for days at a time but after awhile he’d crash for days at a time, the crew was used to it by now and planned accordingly. 

It was a miserable life in the rare moments he was sober between conscious and unconscious. 

He didn't trust the people around him, not like how other people trust. He knew they probably wouldn't get him killed on a job; Dan was kind and Sly was funny, James was Aleks’ best friend, Seamus was Seamus, and Jordan… Brett didn’t like Jordan. 

 In his worst moments when he shook through withdrawals he dreamed of them hurting him, getting him killed, sacrificing him for the sake of the crew. He dreamed of his parents, his childhood in Colorado, he dreamed of dying and finally being free. 

The only person he didn't dream of was Aleks, that's how he knew he could trust him.

Their friendship was unconventional to say the least but it worked, it had to, without Aleks Brett felt truly alone in the world and he hated that feeling more than he hated himself. 

It was quiet for a long moment, Aleks gently holding Brett’s chin as he cleaned away the last of the blood from his short beard. 

“So...have you thought about it?” Brett asked finally.

“About what?” Aleks asked as he began to repack the first aid kit. 

“About the thing. About the James and I thing” 

Aleks chuckled. 

“Oh, about you guys leaving?” 

“And you coming with us…with me” he tacked on at the end as he moved to the mirror to check over his face. 

Aleks’ shrugged and sat down on the closed toilet. 

“No...not really to be honest dude, I mean I have a life here you know that” 

“A life, right” Brett scoffed as he dug a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. 

Aleks glared up at him. 

“Yeah dude a life , these guys are my friends I'm not just going to abandon them and-and I'm engaged! Did you forget about that? You think Jordan is gonna be up for some Romeo and Juliet bullshit? Oh sorry babe can’t make it to dinner tonight me and my new crew are planning a job” 

Brett laughed behind his cigarette as he raised the lighter up behind his hand. 

“You’re an idiot, there so many better things you could be doing, not just wasting away down here with him ” 

Aleks gave him a look as the older blew smoke towards the ceiling. He was fidgeting more than usual, shifting his foot back and forth on its heel, a nervous tic Aleks had noticed long ago, A tic that told him he was lying. 

“You know something I don’t?” 

Brett returned his look, eyes searching Aleks’ for a moment before he took his cigarette between his fingers. 

“No”.

“ No ” Aleks mirrored. He was definitely lying, about what he couldn't tell, but Brett lied a lot. 

“But, hey we’re your friends to asshole” Brett said, trying to move the conversation along, trying to get the topic and Aleks eyes off of him. 

Aleks huffed out a laugh. “Well why me dude? Of all people, why would you ask me to leave? Why not just you and James or literally anyone else?” 

Brett shrugged. 

“Because you’re my best friend dude, you’re like, the only person in the world I trust, maybe James on a good day when i'm not seeing things in dark corners and shit” Brett said gesturing wildly with his hands. 

Aleks snorted and Brett smiled just a bit before clearing his throat and dropping his cig to the floor so he could stomp it out. 

“Look I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life or make your choices but you should definitely give it like, a good hard think yeah? Because at the end of the month I’m out of here, with or without you and James is gonna be gone even sooner” 

They stared at each other for a moment before Aleks sighed out okay and nodded. Brett nodded back and then reached out to gently ruffle Aleks’ hair before he slipped out of the room, leaving the younger man to think and finish cleaning up. 

Aleks parked his car in the crew's warehouse and began the five minute walk home. 

The bodega owner was out front yelling at some neighborhood kid and swatting at him with a broom when Aleks walked by. 

He was a nice enough guy, didn't bother them as long as they paid the rent on time and left him out of any trouble that they brought home. 

They shared the usual curt yet polite nod as Aleks slipped into the alleyway. He punched in a code on a keypad handle and with a painful squeal the metal door popped open. 

He hurried down the steep staircase two at a time until he hopped the last three steps into the main room. 

It was quiet save for Dan and Seamus on the couch, Dan on his laptop and Seamus mindlessly watching TV. 

They exchanged pleasantries as Aleks shoved his coat and keys into one of the lockers by the stairs. 

“Hey Brett's out by the way, told me to tell you that when you came home” Dan said, still clicking away. 

“Where did he go?” Aleks asked curiously as he leaned over to dig through the fridge. 

“No like passed out, he’s in his room” Dan replied. 

“What?!” Aleks shot up, almost hitting his head as he went. 

Brett could usually tell when he was about to crash and he would make sure Aleks knew so he could come and check on him and take care of him if necessary. It was a near constant occurrence between them now, Aleks coming to make sure he didn’t choke on his own vomit and sit with him when it was really bad. He was the only person Brett trusted, couldn't sleep properly without him there. This is what best friends were for right? 

“Yeah he practically collapsed as he was talking to us, I made sure he went and got in bed before he hurt himself” Dan assured as he glanced over the back of the couch. 

“Fucker is gonna kill himself” Seamus muttered as he flipped channels. 

Aleks gulped, checked his phone for a third time to make sure he absolutely hadn't missed a message or call from Brett. 

“Okay I'm uh- I'm just gonna go check on him then. If-If Jordan comes back I'm not home yet okay?” 

“Okay?” Dan called after him curiously as he watched Aleks disappear down the hall. 

Jordan had always been the jealous type, it was obvious in the way he acted around Brett or any guy that seemed to even smile at Aleks just a bit too much. Aleks couldn’t ever understand why though, it wasn’t like he was cheating or doing anything shady behind Jordan's back, that was all Brett and James. 

Aleks had tried to discuss it with him a few times but was always brushed off. It was hard for Jordan to talk about how he felt, would rather show it than speak it, and he didn’t think it was that big of an issue, citing that he loved him and he was just protective. Aleks had dropped the subject after the third try.

Aleks opened Brett’s door slowly in case he startled him. The room was dark save for the TV playing some infomercial on mute. Sound bugged him when he was in withdrawals but the darkness bugged him even more. 

On the box he used for a nightstand there was a bottle of water and next to that a trash can, probably Dan’s doing.

Aleks sat down on the edge of the messy bed and looked over Brett's crumpled body face down on the mattress. 

His nose was buried in the pillow and his brows were drawn in a pained expression, even in sleep his breathing seemed labored. 

Aleks reached out and gently rubbed at the spot between his eyes, trying to will him to relax.  

“You’re a mess man” the younger whispered into the darkness and, after a beat, “we all are” he finished with a small laugh as he leaned over to pull Brett’s sneakers off. 

He toed his own off before scooting further up the bed and shaking Brett’s shoulder gently. 

“Hey, dude wake up for a second” 

Brett groaned and slowly blinked awake, staring at Aleks in confusion before a coughing fit took over. 

“Fuck” Brett muttered as Aleks slowly pulled him until he sat up. 

Aleks let out a shaky breath, he always looked so sad right when he woke up and especially when he was sick . He seemed almost small as well with how he spoke, voice quiet and wavering. It was so unlike him and it made Aleks’ skin crawl every time. 

“How are you feeling?” the younger asked as Brett slumped forward, resting his forehead on Aleks’ shoulder. 

“My head is killing me” he muttered back as Aleks squeezed his shoulder gently. 

“Did you take something for it?” 

Brett hummed a yes in reply. 

“Okay good, did you get sick or anything?” 

Brett shook his head no and Aleks nodded as he pushed him back carefully. 

“Well that's progress at least; now come on don't make this hard on me like you usually do” 

Aleks began to pull at the hem of his shirt before Brett swatted his hands away and clumsily pulled it off himself, muttering about how he could do it. 

Aleks tried to ignore the hard plane of muscle under his hand as he pushed Brett back towards his pillow. 

“I don’t deserve you” Brett mumbled as he went easily, falling back into the bed as dead weight. 

“Nobody does” Aleks said with a snort as he helped him with the blanket. 

“Are you going to stay?” Brett asked, staring at him with messy, unfocused eyes. 

“I always do,” Aleks replied as he moved behind him and sat against the wall, stretching his legs out and tucking them over Brett's as he grabbed the tv remote.

“Thank you” Brett mumbled before sleep finally took him away again. 

Aleks was worried about him, always had been and always would be. This cycle would kill him someday, they both knew it, but right now it was the only thing keeping Brett sane. 

Brett had talked once or twice about getting clean once he got away from The Hub, maybe going to a ward for a bit or seeing a professional, Aleks had encouraged him but Brett always ended it with a we’ll see . 

For now, Aleks took the tv off of mute and set it to a low volume. He shuffled down the wall a bit and got comfortable while he listened to Brett breathe and watched a woman try to sell overpriced costume jewelry. 

If this is what it took for him to help Brett, then so be it. That's what friends were for. 

Jordan hadn’t had much growing up.

He had to fight for everything his whole life; food, a place to sleep, money, so it was no wonder the criminal life found him. 

He had never wanted to be this, never yearned for the life of organized crime, he had dreams once upon a time, of being a good, normal person. 

And if life was fair he would be normal, a normal guy with a normal job and a normal home and maybe a normal family, perfectly plain and boring. 

But life wasn’t fair which is why he found himself alone and bloody in a Los Santos alley way at twenty-one, backpack full of cash on his arm after his first successful robbery. 

Things had only ramped up since then; he met Dan, found the others, started a crew, he fell in love with Aleks…

Maybe that's why he was jealous constantly, he knew he was, knew he wasn’t a healthy man but he couldn't help it. In this line of work finding people to care about was a one in a million chance and to Jordan, Aleks was a one in a million man. 

He was young and handsome and when they met he still had a lick of Russian in his voice. Jordan had been head over heels the moment they locked eyes at the airport that day. 

Dan could see it happening, told him to be careful, Dan was always worried about everyone but himself. 

Jordan hadn’t listened of course and dove in head first. It was two years in before they finally made something official out of it, three more until they were engaged. 

Jordan was a protective man, what was his was his, as bad as that sounded. Aleks knew that, everyone knew that...Brett knew that, not that he seemed to care though. 

Jordan could see it in the way Brett acted, how he’d sling his arm just a bit to tight around Aleks’ neck during a drunk night of poker, how the two laughed together when they thought nobody was paying attention, how he followed the younger man through a job, gun ready to take out any threat that came their way. 

Jordan figured he should be grateful for that last one but he’d never say it out loud. Everyone knew they didn't like each other, nobody really knew why though. They had butted heads since day one, Brett questioning his authority and skills constantly, a stuck up jerk with a drug fueled complex. Bretts credentials as a marksman were shady at best and Jordan didn’t like not knowing his whole backstory. On the rare occasions when they could agree on something they were unstoppable but those times were far and few between. 

Jordan also didn’t like how Brett openly flirted with his fucking fiance. didn’t understand how Aleks couldn't see it, or maybe he did and he just ignored it. Or maybe Brett wasn’t flirting and Jordan was just reading too much into it, he didn’t like to think too hard about it. Aleks loved him and he loved Aleks, Jordan had no real reason not to trust him. 

Jordan climbed down the stairs with bags in hand, takeout for the crew. He said hi to Seamus, who was playing video games with Sly now. 

“Have you guys seen Aleks by the way?” Jordan asked as he pulled cartons from plastic. 

“He’s not home” Seamus replied as he set the controller on the coffee table and stood to help Jordan. 

Jordan looked at him curiously, glancing behind himself to double check. 

“His phone is sitting right there though?” Jordan replied, gesturing to it. 

“Oh, well he told me and Dan to tell you he wasn’t” Seamus replied with a shrug as he grabbed a pair of chopsticks from the bag. 

Jordan's stomach sank and a frown graced his lips. 

“Why would he tell you that?” 

Seamus shrugged again as he began to open cartons. 

“I don't know I'm just the messenger. I think he’s still back there taking care of Brett anyway” 

Jordan felt anger beginning to boil below the surface. Of course it was because of Brett, it always was. 

“I’ll be right back” Jordan mumbled as he set one of the cartons down and headed for the hallway. 

“Why did you do that?” Sly asked as he popped his head up over the back of the couch. 

Seamus shrugged once more and tried to pick up some fried rice. 

“I’m just here to make some money man, their drama ain't our drama” 

“Fair enough” Sly replied as he started up a single player round. 

Jordan approached Brett's door carefully and could hear the faint sound of a TV. He opened the door slowly and let the dim hallway light flood in for just a moment. 

On the bed Brett was snoring into the pillow and behind him Aleks was slumped down against the wall, legs splayed out over Brett's and his face half hidden in the hood of the sweatshirt he was wearing. He was also asleep, face nestled against his own shoulder and remote laying in his limp hand. 

Jordan would have found the sight of his boyfriend peaceful if not for the situation. Why would Aleks feel the need to lie about something like this? Everyone knew he made sure Brett was okay when he was sick, just not the extent of what he did. 

Jordan closed the door maybe a bit too hard, maybe hoping it would wake Aleks, he wasn’t sure himself as he made his way to his own room. 

He tossed his hat onto the dresser haphazardly as he went but paused when it hit a picture frame and caused it to topple over. 

He went to pick it up and examined the photo inside, unable to stop a small smile from gracing his lips. 

Jordan still remembers the feeling of the sand under his feet, the waves crashing in the background as he kneeled down and asked Aleks to marry him over a year ago, remembers how he smiled so hard it hurt, how Aleks cried. 

A friend had captured the photo from afar, Aleks gathered up in his arms, feet off the ground and ring shiny and pretty on the hand buried in Jordan's hair. 

Jordan sighed and put it back before going and collapsing onto the edge of the bed so he could bury his face in his hands, elbows on his knees. 

A few moments later the door opened and Aleks walked in. Jordan could see now the sweatshirt he was wearing was his , bright red with a cardinal in the corner and swallowing his smaller frame. 

“Oh shit hey, I didn't know you were home” Aleks mumbled as Jordan sat up. 

“Yeah I just got back, meeting ran long” Jordan replied as Aleks wandered over and slotted himself between Jordan's legs, letting his hands fall to his shoulders so he could kneed at the muscle there. 

Jordan looked up at him and gently placed his hands on Aleks’ waist. 

“Is Brett okay?” 

Aleks gave him a curious look and then huffed hard, pushing Jordan’s hands away. 

“God dammit yeah he’s-he’s fine, he just kind of blacked out unexpectedly. Did Dan rat me out?” 

“It was Seamus actually” Jordan mumbled as Aleks groaned and tried to step away. 

“Why’d you ask them to lie to me?” Jordan asked as he grabbed Aleks’ hand maybe a tad bit too hard, trying to keep him close. 

“Because I didn’t want to deal with this , with you getting jealous and shit” Aleks muttered back, looking anywhere but at Jordan. He was still tired and just wanted to lay down again. 

Jordan loosened his grip and reached out to thumb at Aleks’ hip with the other. 

“Well I'm sorry if I get a little jealous when I see my finance sleeping with another man” 

“Oh my god this, this right here is what I'm talking about” Aleks groaned but Jordan kept him close. Aleks put his hands back on his shoulders and squeezed. 

“You used to have a crush on him Aleks” Jordan mumbled as he pressed his face into Aleks’ soft stomach and wrapped his arms around him, hands fanning out across his back. 

Aleks squeezed the back of his neck and forced him to glance upward. 

“Yeah and I also had a crush on James and Sly when I met them. Did I pursue it? No. Crushes don't mean shit” 

“You had a crush on me” Jordan muttered, still unable to look away because of Aleks’ hand. 

“No, I just straight up loved you, there's a difference” 

Jordan snorted and Aleks finally let go and dragged his fingers through Jordan's hair. 

“I’m sorry” the older said quietly as Aleks sighed. 

“Its fine just, you really need to chill the fuck out man”

Jordan nodded and finally pulled back. 

“I will when this job is over. These Fakes are asking a lot of us but I think we will be able to pull it off”. 

“What's the payout?” Aleks asked as he moved to sit in Jordan's lap, tucking his chin over his shoulder as he tried to rub at the knots in his back. 

“For a job like this? A cool three million” 

Aleks whistled and pulled back, arms loose around Jordan's neck. 

“Pretty good right?” he asked with a smirk, hands gently rubbing up and down Aleks’ waist. 

“From a job with the Fakes I wouldn't expect anything less. Does this mean we can finally go on vacation?” 

Jordan laughed and squeezed him, causing Aleks to smirk. 

“I mean, I was thinking we’d use our cut to pay the rent and put food on the table, but I bet we could work a little getaway in their somewhere” 

“Good. We should go somewhere cold, I miss it” 

Jordan hummed “We could always go back up to Colorado for a bit, see my family” 

Aleks nodded “Maybe we can go look for venues while we have some downtime”. 

Jordan smiled and pressed his forehead to Aleks’. 

“I’d like that” 

Aleks smiled back. They met in the middle, lips pressing softly together as Aleks leaned into him, letting Jordan hold him tighter. 

He yawned as he pulled away, rubbed at one eye. 

“Come on, there's dinner waiting in the kitchen, I went to that Chinese place we like” Jordan patted his hip to make him stand and Aleks obliged, letting Jordan lead him out of the room, comfortable in the familiar warmth created between them. 

The heist planning had been going well, the Fakes seemed happy with what they were contributing and had sent a massive box filled with nice liquor over as thanks. 

The Hub had taken advantage of it, broke open the bottles, ordered in for the night and were deep into a game of Texas hold’em. 

They were having fun as a group, something that had been lacking due to all the work the Fakes were making them put in. 

Sly was intent on winning this time, swearing quietly under his breath and causing everyone else to laugh as Dan put down a winning hand. 

Aleks wasn't playing at the moment, too drunk to card shark them as he leaned over Jordan's chair and watched, laughing when Jordan swatted his roaming hands away. 

He stumbled into the hall a few minutes later, this would probably be the fourth time he’d left to piss but it was fine, the high end alcohol was delicious and worth the constant trips. 

He fell into the wall for a moment, laughing to himself quietly as he searched the wall blindly for the door knob. 

A quiet gasp from behind him startled Aleks enough to turn around; Brett’s door was ajar. 

Hadn’t he been at the table? Aleks couldn't be sure. As he moved closer he could hear the faintest whisper of a voice or voices? With what little light there was in the hall Aleks peaked inside. 

Brett was sitting on the edge of his bed and James was standing between his open legs, looming over him. 

His hands were cupping Brett's face and Brett was gripping his waist, shirt bunched under his tight hold as the two shared a messy kiss, barely pulling back to laugh, mumble something to the other, before they were kissing again and Brett's hands began to wander. 

Aleks stumbled back so hard he fell into the bathroom door. The shock made his chest go tight and he blindly reached for the door knob, not caring how loud the door slammed as he locked it with unsure hands.

He slumped back into it and tried to control his breathing, why was he freaking out? He felt sober as hell now, the image of what he just saw playing over and over in his mind, making him breathe harder. 

Aleks’ mind was running a mile a minute and he couldn't pinpoint exactly what was making him upset. Brett and James...that was a shock for sure but why did it matter? So what if they were dating or fooling around or...whatever, why did it matter to Aleks? 

Aleks started to shake and he couldn’t stop it no matter how hard he tried. He pushed a hand through his hair slowly, pulling back to watch his hands tremble. 

A sharp pang hit him in the gut and he let himself slide to the floor, suddenly dizzy as he curled in on himself. 

“What the fuck was that?” he thought aloud as he tried to even out his breathing. He could still see them , even with his eyes open, like it was haunting him, tormenting him. 

Aleks was jealous . 

The revelation hit him like a brick and he groaned, sprawling out against the door as he pressed his fist to his eyes and rubbed. 

Why would he be jealous though? Sure he thought Brett was attractive, so was James, Aleks wasn’t friends with ugly people and that's all they were, his friends . They were his friends and he should be happy for them, not pissed at them for...whatever it was they did in private. 

Then why did he feel this way?! Why was he so shocked by the idea of Brett and James? Or was it the thought of Brett and anyone? The idea of Brett and anyone except…

Fuck 

Aleks buried his face in his hands and groaned loudly. He could feel the burn in his stomach, the shake in his hands that he tried so hard to control by clenching and unclenching his fists. 

The burn of jealousy turned to anger turned to sadness and the cycle continued as he stared at his hands. He felt a tear slip down his cheek and he dared not let anymore fall. Even alone he was scared to show weakness. 

He fell lifelessly back against the door once again, he was still drunk and it was starting to hit him again. 

He didn't have feelings for Brett, couldn't, didn't . They were friends and that was all they had ever been, best friends. 

Sure they were close, they roughhoused like children and Brett flirted but that's just who he was it didn't mean anything it couldn't . Brett knew that and Aleks loved Jordan, they were going to get married, work their way out of this life, move somewhere better and be happy. James would leave and Brett would follow to start their own thing and Aleks would tell them good luck with a smile on his face even if it meant he would miss them dearly. 

Somewhere deep down, deeper than he could comprehend, Aleks knew it was all truly just a fanciful idea. A promise Jordan made years ago on a shaky foundation that wouldn't be repaired anytime soon. Knew that he was absolutely pissed that his friends wanted to leave, why couldn't they just be happy here doing what they always had? Restless souls...and why was Aleks so keen to continue lying to himself? 

He was too drunk for this, too drunk to face these complex emotions he so forcefully pushed down on a daily basis, and why was he in the bathroom again? 

Aleks’ head was still swimming as he pulled himself to his feet and leaned into the sink so he could look himself over in the mirror. The dizziness was gone but his stomach still turned weird as he fixed his hair and splashed some water on his face. He stared at himself for a moment, eyes searching for something he couldn't find, and then he turned and left the bathroom. 

He did his best to walk straight as he headed back to the main room, focusing on the laughter as he leaned in the doorway for a moment just watching everyone. 

James and Brett were back at the table and sat across from one another. James was laughing with Dan about something and Brett had his boots propped on the table and was taking a drink from his beer. 

He was the first to notice Aleks and he smiled at him like always, tipping his bottle towards him. 

Aleks ignored him for the first time ever, just turned and went back to Jordan’s side instead. 

He glanced at Brett out of the corner of his eye and could see the confused look but Aleks ignored it, fighting to keep his self control as Jordan looked up at him with a warm smile, like Aleks was his entire world. 

Aleks sat in Jordan's lap and Jordan happily accepted him, wrapping an arm around his waist as Aleks grabbed his face and kissed him. 

Sly made a hooting noise that was cut off by Seamus slapping him on the back of the head, causing the others to laugh. 

Aleks pulled back and they smiled at each other. 

“What was that about?” Jordan asked but he didn’t seem upset. 

“Nothing, I just love you” Aleks muttered back as he turned to start gathering cards off the table so he could play. 

In his periphery Aleks could see the hurt look on Brett's face and the confused look he and James shared across the table moments later. 

Aleks ignored the pang in his gut as he sat back against Jordan, letting the older man hook his chin over his shoulder as he wrapped both arms around his waist. Despite everything Aleks felt safe with Jordan's arms around him. 

He told himself that this was all he wanted and all he needed, even if he didn’t fully believe it.

James knocked on his door at one am. 

The crew had been gone for most of the day, finishing out some final preparation with the Fakes. 

Aleks had gotten a cold and had been asleep for the past few days, high on cough syrup and Pedialyte. 

“Yeah?” he called out quietly from where he was slumped down against the pillows with his laptop. 

James opened the door and stepped inside, duffle bag clasped in one hand. 

“Hey man” the older said softly as he came and sat on the edge of the bed, dropping his bag by his feet. 

“What's up?” Aleks asked him wearily as he sat up straighter and shoved a few stray tissues into the trash can by his bed. 

“I uh- I just came to say goodbye”. 

Aleks’ face fell for a moment as he took a deep breath and nodded. 

“Right” 

James’ smile seemed happy, happier than it had been in a long time, Aleks could see it in his eyes. 

Aleks wasn't entirely in on the departure plan. He’d been avoiding them like the plague since that night so he only knew bits and pieces here and there. 

He knew James was getting out first, too suspicious if they both dropped off the map at once. He was going to go out, get established and then Brett would follow once he got the all clear. 

“Stop looking at me like I killed a dog or something man, this isn't the last you’ll see of me” James said with a chuckle, breaking Aleks from his thoughts. 

Aleks wiped the frown from his face and rolled his eyes. 

“I don’t know about that dude, you’re about to be our competition and shit” 

James laughed and then he cautiously rested a friendly hand on Aleks’ knee. 

“I-You sure you don't want to come with us? Because I really think you should” 

Aleks huffed and pushed the hand off his knee, ignoring the mock look of hurt James dawned. 

“I already told you and Brett that I’m not leaving. I’m happy here dude I’m getting fucking married soon, I can’t just up and leave it all to start something new with you guys”

James shook his head, he’d been done with Aleks shit for a long time. 

“Can't…or won’t?” 

Aleks stared at him curiously. 

“I mean, we all know you hate change Aleksandr, it’s a scary thing believe me I know. But sometimes change is for the best. I’m not asking you to leave Jordan or break off your engagement, your personal life can exist separately from your work life…”

James took a moment to sigh, rubbing at his temple. 

“You can’t ignore the fact that the Hub isn’t getting as much work as it used to even with this Fake job. Newer and better people are moving in everyday and I’m not going to let them walk all over me, I’m going to be one of them and I want that for you to, I want you to succeed, you’re my best friend, I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t care about you”

Aleks stared at him for a while, head swimming. He hated that James was right, hated that he agreed with him, hated how the cough medicine made him feel woozy. 

Hated more that looking at James now only reminded him of the night he caught them in Brett’s room, hands all over each other. 

“The answer is still no dude” Aleks said, voice low and strong, or what he hoped sounded strong, he could feel his cheeks becoming redder than they already were as he fisted the sheets.

James’ smile faltered for a moment and he sighed. 

“That’s...unfortunate” 

Aleks shrugged and looked away, unable to hide how defensive he felt. 

“Yeah well life isn’t fair, you don’t always get what you want” 

James looked at him curiously before it changed into a...knowing look? Aleks’ head swam more. 

James stood from the bed before he could comment on it. 

“You should get some rest” 

He grabbed the laptop from Aleks’ lap before he could protest and pushed him down into his pillow. 

“What the fuck?” Aleks muttered, suddenly too dizzy from the quick movement to do much as James’ pulled the blanket up and pressed a hand to his forehead. 

“You still have a fever dude, just rest okay? The others should be back soon” 

Aleks grabbed his wrist in a vice before he could move away again. 

“James...be-be careful okay?” he asked quietly, already feeling sleep creeping in once again. 

James smirked at him and leaned down to hug him, shocking them both but Aleks wrapped his arms around him without a second thought, suddenly overwhelmed, by what he wasn't sure. 

“I’ll see you soon Aleks” 

Aleks was asleep before James left the room. 

In the hours to come all hell would break loose. 

The rest of the crew came home and found James' room void of life, not even a speck of dust left in his wake. 

Jordan woke him in a panic, asking what had happened, but Aleks lied and said he didn't know. He’d been asleep and couldn't remember anything but his fever. 

Brett came to him the next day when he was alone and Aleks told him the truth, even if he didn’t like looking at Brett anymore. 

They hadn’t talked since he caught them…he hated the way Brett’s soft smile made him feel through the heated haze of sickness. 

By next week the commotion had died down and the anger and betrayal the crew felt was replaced with heist planning, reworking the job now that they were a man down.

Aleks and Brett pretend to be upset like the rest of them, a knowing look shared between the two as if Brett didn’t already have his new number on speed dial.

The job had gone perfectly; it was probably the best job The Hub had ever had. 

Fake Haus was based out of a warehouse on the docks and the after party was in full swing. Other Fakes were there along with a few other small groups The Hub hadn’t seen much of till now. 

The music was blasting and the drinks were flowing, everyone enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

Aleks’ still hadn’t really spoken to Brett, not since James left. They had cooperated for the heist of course, but other than that Aleks had been avoiding him. 

Brett had tried to figure out why but Aleks was stubborn, even when Brett literally cornered him one night in a drug fueled rage, begging to know why he was suddenly acting this way Aleks still said nothing; the only thing he could see when he looked at Brett long enough was him and James that night in his room. 

The Russian was stuck in the middle of an argument between Cib and Suptic, something about cars? Aleks wasn’t sure, he hadn’t been this drunk in ages. 

He was tucked under Cib’s arm casually and was trying to pay attention as the older man talked about the difference between a Grotti and an Entity until he caught sight of Brett through the crowd. 

He was leaning in the corner and laughing with Joel and Lawrence, one hand in his pocket and the other wrapped around a solo cup. 

When he was drunk he was much more relaxed, much more loose, let his mind wander more than usual, all very dangerous activities for one Aleks Marchant. 

He admired Brett from afar; he looked good and Aleks’ hated thinking that, especially when Jordan was probably somewhere close by.  

He watched curiously as Brett pulled his phone from his pocket with an excited smile on his face. The older man waved himself away from the others and answered the call as he began to weave his way through the crowd and up a flight of metal stairs. 

Aleks watched until he disappeared through the door at the top, completely transfixed, until Cib shook him. 

“What's your preferred getaway vehicle man?” Steven asked, practically yelling over the music. 

“I um...excuse me” Aleks said instead as he slipped away from them, ignoring their protests as he followed Brett's path until he too was pushing through the door. 

It led to a small section of roof and the sticky warmth of a Los Santos night shocked the air out of him, causing him to stumble as the door fell closed behind him. 

He followed the sound of Brett’s voice, gravel crunching under messy steps until he rounded a large AC unit and found Brett leaning against it. 

“Is it nice? No roaches like the last one?” He asked with a chuckle as he sat his cup down next to his feet and put a finger up towards Aleks, asking him silently to wait. 

Aleks nodded and shifted nervously, staring down into his cup and watching the whiskey swirl in weird patterns. 

He decided to just down the rest of it, trying to calm the nerves he was suddenly feeling as he tossed his head back with a gag. 

Brett gave him a look and Aleks shrugged.

“Okay well I gotta go, no I know okay, bye Trev”

Aleks ignored the twist in his stomach and crushed the empty cup between his hands as Brett shoved his phone back into his pocket. 

“Hey” 

“Hi” Aleks replied, still not looking up as he turned the crumpled plastic over in his hands. 

“Why’d you follow me?” Brett asked as he turned and leaned against the AC unit. 

Aleks shrugged, looking anywhere but at Brett, head still swimming with the burn of alcohol. 

“Whose Trev?” 

Brett rolled his eyes and grabbed the broken cup from Aleks’ hands and chucked it over the side of the roof. 

“Friend of mine and you’re avoiding my question” 

Aleks watched the cup disappear over the edge with a frown and then he finally looked at Brett. 

“Dude that’s like, littering you can’t do that”

Brett huffed out a laugh and crossed his arms across his chest, Aleks tried not to stare at the way his muscle flexed as he moved. 

“Aleks-“ 

“I don’t know why I followed you dude I just needed some air I guess” Aleks finally replied, turning his gaze to his shoes again. 

Brett huffed and fished a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. 

“Maybe, or maybe you finally came to apologize for ignoring me?” 

Aleks scoffed. 

“Definitely not dude” 

Brett shook his head and patted around for his lighter, cigarette caught between his teeth. 

“Well you should, it’s impolite to ignore your best friend” 

It’s impolite to make out with your other best friend Aleks thought with a roll of his eyes as he shoved his hands into his own pockets. 

“I haven’t been ignoring you Brett” 

Brett laughed as he guarded the flame with his hand.

“You’re a bad liar Aleksandr” 

Aleks tried to suppress the shudder he felt, blaming it on the non-existent wind as he forced down the ever growing warmth in his stomach. 

“Fuck you dude” Aleks muttered quietly and turned to leave but then he turned back, opening and closing his mouth to say something. He did this a few times, trying to take control of his fuzzy brain as Brett watched in amusement. 

“I’ve just, I've been busy dude” Aleks finally said and Brett scoffed. 

“With what? The job isn’t an excuse” 

“Not that! Just like wedding stuff Jordan and I have been trying to find a venue and shit” Aleks replied back with a shrug. 

Brett snorted and let out a breath of smoke, Aleks tried not to fixate on it. 

“So that’s still happening huh?” 

Aleks shook himself and stared at him strangely. 

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” 

Brett shrugged, plucked the cigarette from his lips, let his hand fall to his side. 

“I mean you’ve been talking about wedding plans for like a year but it seems like you guys never get anywhere with them dude, we’re all wondering when Jordan is gonna finally man up and go through with it” 

Aleks felt anger boil within, replacing the soft warmth that was once there. He knew Jordan and Brett didn’t get along, but the fact that Brett just so flippantly talked shit about his fiancé hurt, it always did, not that Brett cared obviously. 

“What the fuck dude?” Aleks blurted out, the anger clear in his voice. Alcohol always made him bold, made him forget his place and say what he really felt, anxiety be damned. 

Brett seemed surprised and he put his hands up. 

“Hey don’t get mad at me! Sly is the one who started the bet-“ 

“Not that idiot, you! Why do you always talk so much shit about him?! He has been nothing but good to you even if you guys fight. He brought you in, gave you a job, a bed, and yet all you ever do is talk shit about him!” 

The anger was clear on Aleks’ face and in his voice and Brett seemed shocked. 

“Aleks wait-“ 

“I get that you two don’t get along, that’s fine, not everyone can agree, but you only ever just talk shit about Jordan. Do you know how god damn draining it is for my best friend to constantly rat on the man I love?! I mean seriously Brett-“ 

Brett was suddenly grabbing him forcefully by his shoulders and it shocked Aleks into silence. 

“Aleks he’s been lying to you!” Brett blurted out, a cold stare searching Aleks’ hazy and wet eyes. 

The silence between them was deafening as Aleks stared at him helplessly. 

“What?” He finally whispered and Brett took a deep breath and let him go. He turned and leaned against the AC unit for a moment before turning back. 

“I didn’t want to tell you like this but…fuck Jordan has been fucking with the books okay? He’s been lying about how much money we’ve been making for months Aleks. I thought it was just me at first ya know?, not getting paid on time and shit but then Seamus mentioned something to me about how he was behind on two paychecks so…I went to check for myself. I snuck into the office, I looked through his shit and I was right! He lied about our score on the Grapeseed job, and the LSPD sting, he even lied about this job Aleks! He probably told you some big triple digit score right? We are only getting ten Aleks, fucking ten grand for a job with the Fakes!” 

Aleks felt like the air had been punched from his lungs. He stood, mouth agape and shock clear in his eyes as Brett stared back and tried to slow his breathing and calm the anger that was so obviously building in him. 

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way” Brett added as he slumped back against the AC unit and rubbed at his temple, cigarette long forgotten somewhere in the gravel under his boots. 

Aleks couldn’t believe it, didn’t want to believe it. There was no way they were getting that little from a job as big as this, sure The Hub wasn’t exactly at the same level as Sugar Pine or Fake Haus but they were still up there at least… and there was no way the man he loved was lying to him like this! He knew that Jordan was a proud man, he didn’t like to ask for help when things were bothering him, but there was no way he’d hide something this big from him, especially if it involved Aleks and his well-being. 

Aleks’ felt dizzy with anger and confusion as he clenched his fists at his side and stared back at Brett with hateful eyes. 

“I…I don’t believe you”. 

It was Brett's turn to look shocked as he straightened up. 

“Aleks-“ 

“This-This affects me dude, Jordan wouldn’t lie to me about something as big as this, he wouldn’t put me in danger like that! He may be stubborn sometimes but he wouldn’t keep something like this from me . Just…is this some bullshit you made up? Trying to get me to change my mind? Because if it is that's low even for you Brett” 

Brett went from staring to laughing, a manic sort of laugh that had him doubled over and wiping tears from his eyes. 

Aleks stared on in confusion, feeling tears begin to prick in his own eyes but he fought them back, he couldn’t break not now.

“Okay you know what? I’m done, if you really think I’d make something like this up then you really are just a lost cause” 

Brett moved to leave but Aleks caught his arm before he could, the panic clear on his face, Brett was never done he couldn’t be…

“What?! you can’t be done we still-“ 

Brett turned on him and ripped his arm away violently, the manic smirk on his face turning to a look of pure malice as Aleks stumbled back.

“Yes I fucking can be. I am so tired, Aleks. I’ve tried so hard to make you see, James has tried too, to make you see how fucking shady Jordan truly is, who he truly is as a fucking person, but you have brushed me off every single time! You’ve ignored every god damn red flag since the day you met him, how the hell were you not suspicious when we started getting less work!? When the shop started getting less and less cars? Did he reassure you every night before he tucked you in huh? Oh it’ll be fine baby, nothing to worry about sweetheart, things are handled love go fuck yourself man!” Brett spit, mocking the things he’d heard Jordan say to him in passing, reassuring words turned to ash on his tongue. 

“Fuck you! Why do you fucking care so much?!” Aleks yelled back, not caring if anyone heard as he got in Bretts face, spit flying as he felt a few tears slip down his cheeks. 

“Because I love you and I don’t want you to get hurt!” Brett screamed back, shoving Aleks away as he took a few steps towards the door. 

Aleks stared at his back helplessly, watching it heave as he huffed out his breaths, he and Brett were both spiraling.

Aleks couldn’t move, he felt lightheaded, a sharp pain in his chest that wouldn’t go away as he tried to stave off a panic attack. 

“What did you say?” he whispered, causing Brett to glance over his shoulder. 

Aleks looked as broken as he felt in that moment and it shocked Brett just a bit, he would have tried to comfort him if his mind wasn’t so clouded by pure anger. 

“I…I’m getting married soon Brett. I love Jordan I-you-you can’t-“ 

Brett finally turned to face him again and he was smiling, it made Aleks’ stomach twist into a fearful knot as the older man approached him once more and put a trembling hand on his cheek. 

“I know Aleks, I know. I hope you two are very happy together…and I hope you have fun rotting away in that basement. Don’t fucking call me” 

And then, in the blink of an eye, Aleks was alone. 

The dizziness hit him hard and before he could save himself he was falling to the ground, slumping in a heap against the AC unit, tears flowing freely down his face and Brett’s empty cup forgotten next to his feet. 

Aleks dragged Jordan home early and they had sex. 

He doesn’t remember leaving the roof, just barely remembers Jordan finding him up there. 

He must have passed out because he opened his eyes to Jordan crouched down in front of him, gently stroking the hair away from his eyes with a smile. 

“You feeling okay babe?” The older had asked and Aleks had nodded, let him pull him to his feet and then he kissed him. 

“Let’s get out of here” Aleks muttered into Jordan’s neck as he pressed kisses there, hoping the look he gave him spoke for itself. 

Jordan seemed surprised but he nodded and the two of them returned to the party to say their goodbyes. 

That hadn’t done anything in forever, so busy planning the heist, Aleks welcomed the distraction. 

He let himself be pushed into the mattress as soon as they got back, both of them stumbling as they kissed. 

He ignored the pang he felt in his chest as Jordan smiled down at him, let himself be manhandled into whatever position his fiancé wanted, tried to lose himself to the feeling like usual but it was difficult with Brett's cruel words bouncing around in his head. 

Aleks couldn’t imagine that a man like this, who touched him so gently and loved him with his whole heart, could be the person Brett said he was; a liar who jeopardized his future husband and their closest friends.  

He tried to ignore the way his brain was screaming at him. He just wanted a moment of solace, to feel the normalcy he had before tonight. He focused on Jordan, the way he felt, the sweet words he moaned into his ear as he moved, he wrapped his arms tighter around his neck and buried his face there. 

Aleks let his fuzzy brain take over for a while. They were both still so drunk and for a moment, without even registering it, Aleks let his mind drift. In the darkness of their room he could pretend for just a moment that he was somewhere else. 

Brett loved him. 

Aleks came with a gasp and Jordan’s name on his lips but it felt bitter on his tongue, an unpleasant feeling twisting in his stomach as Jordan collapsed next to him. 

Somewhere deep down sober Aleks was shackled away screaming at him, had connected the dots about how he knew Brett was right, how Jordan had been acting off recently, out later and later and easier to agitate. How he was an idiot for ignoring it, hoping whatever the problem was it would fix itself, nothing ever fixed itself in Los Santos…

Aleks felt sick. 

Jordan broke him from his thoughts, pulling him in and kissing him and sober Aleks was shoved away again, back into a dark corner until he could make an appearance tomorrow and force Aleks to face his demons. 

For now Aleks kissed back, curled in close to the warm body he had called home for the past five years and prayed to whatever God there was that it had all been some shitty dream. 

Brett never came home after the party. 

Nobody noticed for two days, always had a habit of disappearing, but Aleks knew. 

The day after the party was the thirty-first. 

Aleks hadn't noticed the date at first, so busy with heist prep and then having a cold, the days blurred together. 

When he woke up the morning after the party, Jordan's arms warm around him, something felt off . 

He made his rounds but everything seemed normal. The others were all still asleep, deeply hungover and fucked up from the night before but...Brett's room was empty. 

The bed hadn’t been slept in and when Aleks pulled open a drawer his clothes were gone. 

His stomach clenched as he checked under the bed but found no duffle bag. When he felt behind the headboard Brett's rifle was nowhere to be found. 

Aleks collapsed onto the edge of the mattress, dizzy at the thought that Brett was truly gone. He knew it was coming and yet it still hurt so much. Wasn’t it too early though?

On top of the dresser, next to the lamp, was a small flip calendar and Aleks felt all the air leave his lungs. 

He grabbed Brett's pillow and screamed into it before he began to cry. Cried because his best friend had truly abandoned him, cried because he felt confused and alone and scared , cried harder when he realized Brett’s pillow smelled like him. 

Cinnamon gum and cheap cologne…

Aleks didn’t know all hell could break loose more than once. 

He pretended not to know anything, let the others figure it out on their own, acted shocked and sad when they all realized Brett was gone too. 

He listened to the others angrily theorize why two of their best had left, he even played along, putting in his own bunk theory as he tried to ignore the weird looks Jordan had been giving him. 

“Are you sure you don't know anything?” Jordan asked him a few nights later as they were getting ready for bed. 

“Why would I?” Aleks scoffed, fighting away the painful knot that now seemed to permanently reside in his stomach. 

“I mean...they were your friends babe” Jordan tried carefully, taking a step back when Aleks tossed the brush he had been using down on the dresser. 

“Some friends, huh? Leaving and not saying a fucking word to me”

Aleks only partially believed what he was saying. The mock anger and sadness had morphed into the real thing after about a day or so, when he finally came to terms with the fact that they were truly gone and Aleks had no way to get in contact. 

He had tried both their numbers, even though Brett told him not to, but James’ was disconnected and Brett’s went to voicemail. 

It hurt, it hurt bad and Aleks got angrier by the day. He kept it hidden as best he could, tried to forget about them, about everything; their friendship, the good times he had had with both of them, promised he’d see them off with a fucking smile on his face. 

And Aleks did smile, lifting his head he smiled into the mirror and looked at Jordan. 

“You know what I say Jordan? Good riddance”

Jordan frowned and came up behind him, gently placing careful hands on Aleks’ shoulders. 

“You’re shaking sweetheart” 

Aleks let the tears fall then, painful body wrenching cries that he tried so hard to stop. 

He let Jordan pull him in, arms tight around him as he sobbed into his chest. 

“I’m so sorry love” Jordan mumbled into his hair and Aleks wanted to punch him. All the things he was saying, the things Brett had heard, turned against him that night on the roof. 

He had tried so hard to forget about it, about the books and the lies but it had stayed, burrowing in the back of his mind like a parasite, and his curiosity had only been growing since Brett had left. 

It was almost two weeks before he finally plucked up the courage to see for himself. 

The shop had gotten a boat load of new cars and it was an all hands on deck kind of day. 

Aleks had feigned a migraine, stayed in bed, let Jordan kiss him goodbye and promised he’d be back in a few hours with food. 

Aleks waited till they all left, till the basement was silent, and then he climbed out of bed. 

It took him a while to gain the confidence to go near the office door and even then he had to go into the kitchen first and open the fridge. 

He dug his way through the freezer and pulled out a bottle he had stashed in the back, a bottle of good shit, shit from the homeland. He took a big swig, ignored the burn and then put it back. 

He went to the weapons lockup next, searched through the shelves until he found his kit and then went to work on the door. 

Nobody was allowed in the office except Jordan, something none of them particularly cared about as long as they were being taken care of. 

They were set to be paid for the Fake job tomorrow. Three million split even five ways should be around six-hundred thousand each, a hefty payout for a hefty job, a payout that would keep them all afloat for a while. 

A payout that was going to be the down payment for their wedding. 

The door clicked open and Aleks’ breath stuttered. 

Jordan's office was barebones but messy, paper everywhere and his laptop was open and still turned on. 

His background was another one of their engagement photos; Jordan holding Aleks’ hand in his so he could take a picture of his ring and Aleks almost turned around right there but he pushed through and began to try and get in, he had to know the truth. 

Aleks wasn't surprised when the password was his birthday, the knot in his stomach turning again before he shook himself and began to search through the spreadsheets. 

His desktop was messier than the office but he finally found the most recent log and clicked on it with bated breath, watching it load and reading through the breakdown of the job. 

Total pull: $3,000,000 

Aleks let out a small breath, felt just slightly better but he knew Jordan didn't like relying on his computer, always kept a physical copy of everything in case they were ever compromised, stuff he could easily burn if needed. 

The filing cabinet was all well organized and neat unlike his desk. Every log book lined up by date and year, all filled with breakdowns of every job they’d done. 

The cabinet was a dead end, the last log book from a year ago, which meant the new one had to be on the desk unless Jordan was carrying it around with him. 

He searched the top drawers and felt around under it, and he even searched the bookshelf in the corner looking for hidden pockets or anything until he finally found something taped inside the top of the bottom drawer. 

Well that wasn’t a good sign. 

The log book was newer and less worn than the others, half used pen tucked into the spine. 

Aleks checked the dates on it and began to flip through, breath becoming labored as he finally hit the most recent page where all the numbers had been written out for the Fake job. 

He dragged his finger down slowly, heart beating in his ears as he finally hit the bottom. 

Pull: $10,000

Aleks felt like he was going to puke.

“Aleksandr” 

Aleks shot up from where he had been crouched on the floor, book falling from his hands as he locked eyes with Jordan. 

The older man was standing in the door, takeout bag in hand and a hurt look on his face. 

“J-Jordan-” Aleks mumbled moving around the desk and towards the door as Jordan circled the other side. 

Jordan tossed the bag on top of the desk and looked around before bending over to pick up the book. 

Aleks had seen him angry before, usually directed at someone else, never him . 

It was a quiet sort of anger, all smooth words and low voices. 

“What the fuck are you doing?” Jordan asked as he finally locked eyes with him again, setting the book down as he rounded the desk once more. 

Aleks gasped quietly and took another step back. Jordan had never looked at him like this before, like he was about to be hunted for sport. 

Aleks tried to stand straighter, clenching his fists at his sides as the anger finally took over. Liquid courage and the open door at his back making him bold. 

“What the fuck am I doing? What the fuck are you doing?!” he demanded, not caring how loud he got. 

“Aleks-” 

“No! Just answer me Jordan, why the fuck have you been lying?!” 

“Aleks please it's complicated-” 

“Complicated” Aleks spit, venom clear in his voice as Jordan glared. 

“Yes, complicated, there's a lot of shit going on that you don't need to know about, okay? We need help and I’m handling it, that's it”. 

“Well you’re obviously doing such a great job! Why won't you just tell me Jordan?! Why have you been lying? And why the fuck is our take from the Fake job so little?!” Aleks practically begged, throwing his arms up in exasperation. 

“Hey, we wouldn’t have even been noticed by the fucking Fakes if I hadn’t been fudging the numbers, I did this to help us!” Jordan yelled back with a hard glare, trying to spin the conversation in any other direction, not that he could at this point. 

“But why do we need help Jordan?! That’s what you aren’t telling me! Why did we need to do a job with the Fakes?” 

Most groups in Los Santos knew it was wiser to avoid the Fakes as much as possible. They ran this town, them and their many offshoots, and crossing them in any way usually meant a swift demise. 

Jordan pressed his hands to his eyes and Aleks took a tentative step forward. 

“Jordan please for once in your life just tell me the truth” Aleks asked quietly, he could feel himself getting close to crying but he tried hard not to.

Jordan kept his eyes on the floor as he slumped against the edge of the desk. 

“I needed to repay a debt, some-some casino bullshit. But we haven’t had any big jobs in months…and a job with Fakes always means a big payout. So, I started making our numbers look better, bigger , I wanted them to think we were up for a challenge. They bought it, brought us in and we did the job but, after the party I got a call. Ramsay found out I'd been lying, no idea how, said he’d give us a pity cut”

Aleks’ stomach dropped and it felt like the air was punched from his lungs. 

Jordan had always had a problem with gambling, an old habit from when he was a teenager that he never fully broke. Aleks had tried to help him, tried to get him to stop and Jordan had promised he had, promised he had left that lifestyle back in Colorado. 

Obviously that had been a lie. 

It had gotten him in trouble before, but never as bad as this. 

The man in front of him was not the man he agreed to marry, maybe he never was, the man in front of him was a gambling addict who put the lively hood of his entire crew and his own partner in jeopardy to pay back a fucking debt. 

Aleks was done, this time for good. 

“I should have listened” he mumbled and Jordan looked up at him. 

“What?” 

Aleks smiled, manic and weird as he laughed a bit. 

“I should have listened to them when they tried to tell me who you were; James, Sly hell even Dan tried to warn me!”

Jordan stood up again and his face had turned serious.

“Aleks-“

Aleks was full on laughing at this point. “They-They tried to tell me how fucking shady you really are. God how could I be so fucking stupid? Brett was right-“ 

The smack echoed through the room and suddenly it was dead silent. 

Aleks’ head was wrenched to the side, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes as the realization of what just happened took over. 

Jordan was staring at his hand in shock, like it was foreign to him. 

Aleks slowly turned to look at him and Jordan met his eyes. 

“Aleks oh-oh my god oh shit I am so-“ 

Jordan reached for him but Aleks bolted. Not stopping until he was up the stairs and out on the street. 

He kept going even when Jordan tried to follow, tried to yell for him to come back. 

Aleks kept going until he just couldn’t anymore. 

He ducked into an alley and slumped against the wall, body shaking with un-relinquished anger and sadness, nothing but adrenaline and pure anxiety rushing through his veins. 

Everything was a lie and his whole world had changed in a matter of minutes. He had nothing now, Aleks felt like a kid again, completely alone in the world.

He let out a singular, guttural sob before he latched his hand over his mouth, tears dripping over his knuckles as he reached for his phone and dialed a familiar number. 

Somewhere on the other side of town Brett and James were staring down at a map spread across a table. 

James was trying to explain a possible getaway route when a phone started buzzing. 

Brett grabbed it from his back pocket, hit end and stared at it for a moment with contempt.

“Isn't that your old phone?” James asked curiously. 

Brett hummed and set it down on the table. 

It began to ring again. James could see Aleks’ name on the screen. 

“Dude you should probably answer that” 

Brett leaned on the table and scoffed. 

“No, I told him I was done and I am, let him cry” 

“Then why’d you keep the phone?” 

Brett just grunted in reply. 

James rolled his eyes and snatched the phone away before Brett could stop him. 

“Hey!” 

The call ended and James looked through the notifications. 36 missed calls and even more texts all from Aleks. 

“ Holy shit dude, answer him” James demanded. 

The phone began to ring again and Brett growled, grabbing the phone, he hit answer and pressed it to his ear. 

“What?!” he yelled. 

James watched curiously as Brett's angry demeanor suddenly changed to shock and then worry. 

“I’m on my way” was all Brett said before hanging up. 

He turned to James, maybe to explain or just say bye, but James didn’t let him speak. 

“Go get him, Brett” 

They looked at each other for a moment and Brett mouthed a thank you before turning to hurry to his car. 

“And you better convince him this time!” James called out as he started up the engine. 

They ended up at a lookout spot near the base of Chiliad. 

It was dark now, just after sunset and Brett parked at an angle so they could sit and lean against the car, grass slightly damp under them. 

Aleks had his knees against his chest and his head buried in his arms. 

Brett was laying against the cool metal, head tilted towards the sky. 

“I’m going to kill him,” he declared. 

Aleks had told him everything on the drive, practically lifeless against the passenger door as he stared out at the passing city, head against the cold glass. 

“No you aren’t” Aleks replied, sighing as he slumped back against the door. 

“Why not?” Brett asked, turning his head slightly to look at him. 

They locked eyes, Aleks froze for a moment. 

“Because I told you not to and you always listen to me” 

Brett snorted, they kept staring at each other. 

He’d trimmed his beard since Aleks last saw him, shorter now but still thick. He’d let his hair grow out a bit too, curling at the back of his neck and hidden under a ballcap. 

He looked good and Aleks wasn’t scared of that thought anymore, but maybe he should be. 

“How uh-how’s James?” he asked suddenly, causing Brett to blink. 

“Fine I guess, haven’t really seen him much till today” 

Aleks laughed and Brett gave him a look. 

“Not much of a boyfriend if you don’t get to see him” 

Brett choked on his own spit. 

“What? Aleks what the fuck are you talking about?” 

“Brett I literally caught you guys making out what are you talking about?”

Brett looked at him until recognition dawned on his face and he began to laugh. 

“Oh my god, we make out one time, while drunk might I add, and now he’s my boyfriend?” 

Aleks’ stomach twisted at that but he tried not to let it bother him. 

“Well what are you then? Cause ya’ll seemed pretty cozy that night”

Brett’s laughter died down and he shrugged, pulled a cigarette from his carton.

“Definitely not that! Look he and I have fooled around once or twice, but that's it, he’s definitely not my boyfriend we’re just...it’s stress relief mostly”

“Oh” Aleks replied, embarrassment turning his face red as he looked away. Brett laughed again and Aleks punched him in the arm. 

“And why we’re at it, maybe don’t fucking snoop on people?” Brett said through his laugh. 

“I was drunk and you left the door open!” Aleks argued as he turned away more, face burning. 

Brett laughed harder and then silence fell upon them once more. 

Aleks still wasn’t fully convinced, even now. He obviously shouldn’t assume but…the image of the two of them was still burned behind his eyes but it didn’t haunt him like before. 

They seemed happy with each other, always had even when the three of them were just hanging out or playing cards back in the day…and now that Aleks knew for a fact they’d fooled around, why wouldn't they want to be together? They got along, worked well together on jobs and It was the perfect opportunity for the two of them to finally have someone to love, some stability in this crazy life they all lived. 

Aleks thought for a moment that if they were together long enough they could be what he and Jordan could have been if they were better people.

Even if it hurt him, even if the jealousy or whatever it was made him have a constant stomach ache, Aleks wasn’t going to fuck it up this time. He wanted his friends to be happy, especially now that he had at least one of them back, he was going to put their happiness before his and hopefully that would be enough. 

“Do-Do you want to date him?” Aleks asked quietly, trying not to look too hopeful as he and Brett stared at each other once more. 

Brett looked him over, trying to pick his words carefully, and then he shrugged again. 

“We’ll see” 

And that was that for now. 

Brett brought Aleks to his apartment. 

It wasn’t anything too special, just a simple studio where his messy bed was hidden in the corner between overstuffed bookshelves. 

He had a ratty couch and a decent flat screen and his kitchen was clean besides the dishes in the sink. 

The floorboards creaked when you walked and there were water stains but overall it seemed nice. 

“Cozy” Aleks muttered as Brett latched the door behind them. 

“Hey man it’s a start okay?” Brett replied as he slid past him into the kitchen. 

“N-no I meant that, it’s nice” Aleks replied as he tried to beat down the sudden blush on his face. 

“Better than a basement” Brett replied with a chuckle as he grabbed two beers from the fridge and shuffled them towards the couch. 

He pulled out his phone to order food and shoved one of the bottles into Aleks’ hands. 

“Drink. You’ve had a shit day” 

Aleks scoffed but popped the lid off and took a deep pull before grabbing the remote from the coffee table. 

Pizza showed up thirty minutes later and the two ate in silence for a bit, mindlessly watching the TV, Brett's boots kicked up on the coffee table and Aleks pressed into the arm of the couch with his knees against his chest. 

“So…what are you going to do?” Brett finally asked as he took a sip from his bottle. 

Aleks sighed, eyes still trained on the random late night show they’d been watching. 

“I don’t know man, shit is so fucked right now” 

“You’re telling me” Brett muttered as he rested his cheek on his hand. 

“Hey you got anything to like, mellow me out?” Aleks asked with a smirk, only half joking. 

Brett turned and looked at him with a nervous smile before shaking his head. 

“Only those” he replied, nudging the carton of cigarettes on the table with his boot. 

Aleks looked at him in shock and Brett averted his eyes. 

“I uh-I’ve been clean for about two weeks now” 

“Holy shit Brett” 

Brett let out a breathy laugh and nodded. 

“How?!” Aleks sat up straighter, unable to keep the smile off his face. 

“First day I met up with James, he shoved me in an empty room with just the basics and let me sweat it out” Brett replied with a shrug. 

Aleks’ smile twitched but he tried to keep it. James had helped him, fucking detoxed him, something Aleks had never managed. He couldn’t help

The feeling of guilt and a bit of jealousy burn in the pit of his stomach. 

“How do you feel?” 

“Honestly? Really fucking good. I have my bad days, days where it’s painful and hard to resist, I obviously still have a drink or to but…overall I’m doing a lot better than I was” 

Aleks held his smile and nodded, raising his bottle to Brett. 

“Well I’m proud of you man, you talked a lot about getting help and I’m glad you were able to find it” 

Brett raised his own bottle and knocked it against Aleks’ 

“Thanks Aleks” 

They both took a drink and afterwards Brett kept looking  at him, a ghost of a smile on his face as his eyes raked over Aleks’, like a silent conversation the younger man wasn’t a part of. 

Aleks was blushing hard and wanted to ask what the issue was, but Brett's phone ringing broke the moment and he quickly answered it. 

“Hey. Yeah he’s here, no he’s fine bruised cheek but otherwise all good. We’re going to have to rip every once of happiness out of Jordan at some point but we can talk about that later-“ 

Aleks tried to interject but Brett put a hand up to stop him. 

“Okay yeah well, we will see you tomorrow. Yeah, bye” 

Brett shoved his phone back into his pocket and stood from the couch so he could gather up the trash scattered across the coffee table. 

“James says hi” 

Aleks sat for a second just staring at him, eyes following him as he walked into the kitchen. 

“Where are we going tomorrow?” 

“I’m taking you to the warehouse to meet everyone” Brett said casually as he tossed everything in the trash can and wiped his hands on a dish towel. 

“Why?” Aleks asked in confusion, nerves begging him to creep up his spine. 

Brett looked just as confused, cocking his head to the side. 

“Aleks…did you think you weren’t a part of this now?”

“I-I didn’t, I don’t know” he stuttered back before turning his gaze back to his lap, picking at his nails.

Brett approached him slowly and carefully tried to get his attention. 

When Aleks finally relented he turned and found Brett crouched next to him, hand balanced on the arm behind Aleks’ head. 

“Aleks do you want to be in on it?” 

They stared at each other for what felt like forever and Aleks gulped. 

I-I don’t know Brett” 

Brett stared back before sighing and pulling himself off the floor. 

“Well…at the very least come see James, he missed you” 

Aleks nodded slowly and Brett forced a smile. 

“Good. Now we should get some sleep-“ 

Aleks welcomed the distraction and stood quickly as he began to look for his wallet and phone. 

“Yeah okay, what time do you want to meet? Do you have an address for me?” 

“Aleks what the fuck? Get back on the couch” Brett demanded. 

Aleks tried to argue but Brett huffed and forced him back down into the cushions. 

“Where the hell are you going to go?” Brett asked as he loomed over him, hands firmly on his shoulders. 

“Brett-” 

“You’re staying here for as long as you need to” 

The finality in his tone shut Aleks up and the older smiled at him before standing straight once more. 

“Good, now that that’s settled-” Brett moved across the room to the closet and slid open the cheap mirrored door. 

He dug through the shelves for a minute before he pulled out a blanket and an extra pillow and tossed them over to Aleks. 

“Th-Thank you” Aleks muttered as Brett nodded. 

“You’re welcome. Do you need the bathroom first?” 

Aleks shook his head no and Brett retreated. 

Aleks took a shaky breath and tried to get situated. In the bathroom he could hear Brett talking, most likely on the phone and most likely to James. 

Aleks didn't know why that made him nervous but it did. 

Soon enough Brett gave up the bathroom and Aleks locked himself inside and starred in the mirror. He looked exhausted and he rubbed at his face as if he could magically fix himself. 

No use though as he quickly washed his face and went back to the couch. 

The TV was off and Brett was already in bed rolled away from him. Aleks could see he was shirtless and his breath stuttered but he tried to ignore it, tried not to stare at the tattoo on his side as he got comfortable on the couch. 

He sighed long and low and stared at the ceiling, exhaustion replacing the anxiety he was feeling, the adrenaline of the day finally wearing off. 

“Goodnight” Brett mumbled half awake, but Aleks didn’t respond. 

Aleks slept like shit. 

He tossed and turned, in the stints of being awake he thought a lot. 

He thought about his options, Jordan, the others, his car, the basement, Brett snoring…

When he woke up next Brett was shoving a mug into his hands. 

“We got like, an hour before we need to leave, thought you’d want time to wake up”. 

Aleks nodded his thanks and held the warm mug closer to his chest. 

When he took a sip he realized it was coffee and it was made almost exactly how he liked it. Aleks did his best not to let it mess with him. 

Brett forced him to shower and when he was done and smelling like Brett’s shampoo and wearing one of Brett’s shirts Aleks tried not to get dizzy. 

The drive was silent except for the radio and soon enough they were pulling into a gated lot. 

“Is that my fucking Camaro?!” Aleks exclaimed as they pulled into the empty spot next to it. 

Aleks jumped out and ran over, running his hand across the top as he stared in disbelief. 

“Had one of my guys break it out last night” Brett said with a smirk as he pocketed his keys and pushed them towards the side door. 

“Holy shit dude, thank you”

“Don't mention it” 

Brett buzzed them in and Aleks was met by the ugliest couch he had ever seen. The small living room area was packed with random furniture and a pretty big flat screen on the wall. In the cabinet below it a few consoles sat in a nest of messy cords. 

Brett didn’t let him stand long as he pushed him through to the main warehouse. 

They entered through the kitchen where a blonde woman was sitting at a long wooden table and eating while she worked on a laptop. 

“Hey Linds this is Aleks, the guy we’ve been talking about” Brett introduced, leading Aleks around with a hand on his shoulder, as if he was scared the younger man would run. 

“Sup” she replied with a smile before turning back to her laptop. 

Brett moved them along without letting Aleks say hi. Near the kitchen two cars were sitting on blocks and in the middle of getting chopped. There was a guy kneeling at the back of the first one with a mask on, blowtorch in hand. 

Towards the back a bunch of desks were set up and a guy was hard at work at one of them with headphones blocking out the world. 

In the center a large table was covered with maps and random sticky notes and pieces of paper, a tower of files stacked off to the side next to a deserted laptop. 

“Aleks!” James exclaimed when he finally saw him, rounding the table so he could pull the man into a hug. 

Aleks was surprised but hugged him back. It was good to see him despite the circumstances. 

“Holy shit it’s good to see you” James said as he pulled back and looked Aleks over. 

“You too man you too” 

He seemed so happy, happier than Aleks had ever seen him and it was startling. Aleks didn’t know he could smile like that. 

James patted him on the back and then turned him towards the table. 

“You wanna see what we’ve been working on?” 

Aleks didn’t have room to protest as James crowded him against the edge of the table, hand on his shoulder and pressed into his side as he pointed out things on the map. 

“Where going to be hitting the MAZE during their annual holiday party”. 

Aleks’ eyes widened and he looked between Brett and James, both of them smiling. 

“Holy shit that’s like, won't there be a ton of people there?” 

“Nope. Party is being held off-site, place will be empty save for security”. Brett replied as he leaned on the other side of the table. 

Just then a door opened and a young brunette woman walked out with another smaller stack of files. 

“Oh hey this is Anna, Anna this is Aleks” James introduced as she set the stack down and smiled.

Aleks gave her a small nod in return. 

“That guy at the desk is Joe and the one at the car is Trevor and you probably already met Lindsay” James continued as he gestured around the room. 

Joe waved over his head, eyes not leaving his screen and, at the mention of his name, Trevor killed the blowtorch and lifted his mask. He gave Aleks a smile and the smallest wave before the flames kickstarted again and he went back to work. 

Aleks whistled and crossed his arms as James moved to the new stack of folders. 

“Chopping? That's gonna put a dent in The Hubs racket”

“That's the idea” Brett said with a small laugh as he and James smirked at each other. 

Aleks gulped and listened as the two of them explained the rest of the plan, nodding along when they needed him to, but his mind was still spiraling. 

“So what do you think?” James asked, catching Aleks’ attention. 

“I mean it’s A-it seems like a solid job man” Aleks replied. 

“So...you’re in on it?” James asked with a smirk, looking at Aleks excitedly. 

“That's what I wanted to talk to you about dude” Brett muttered as he nudged James in the side, giving him a pointed look. 

James looked at Brett for a moment before huffing and shoving at Brett’s chest lightly. 

“I thought you convinced him Brett!” 

“Hey I told you I got him to my apartment I didn’t say I'd convinced him yet” Brett argued back as he caught James’ wrists to stop him from hitting him again. 

“Guys! Quit arguing” Aleks called out and they both turned to look at him. 

“Did either of you stop to consider that I just got out of what was basically a five year relationship and lost my home in the process so maybe, just maybe I need a little time to think over my options?” 

James frowned and sighed dramatically while Brett nodded in understanding. 

“For the record, I did” Brett noted as Aleks rolled his eyes. 

“I know you need some time but like, come on man! You, me, Brett? A full proof heist? It’ll be great. Just like old times! I- We want you in on this dude” James argued as he gave Aleks his best serious look. 

Aleks looked between them and sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. 

“I know James I know just, please let me have some time to figure shit out. When’s the job?” 

“End of October, there holding some kind of masquerade shit for Halloween” 

Aleks nodded and turned to Brett. 

“You got my keys?” 

Brett nodded and rounded the table. 

“I’ll let you out” 

Aleks said his goodbyes and wandered into the parking lot with Brett hot on his heels. 

“Aleks-” 

“Don’t man just, please let me consider all my options before I agree to this shit again” he replied exasperated. 

Brett’s face was sullen but Aleks ignored it, holding his hand out for his keys. 

“I was just going to ask when you’d be home tonight” 

“Oh” Aleks muttered, face going red as Brett dropped the keys in his hand. When Aleks looked them over he found a new key added to the ring and it made his face feel even redder.

“Late probably don't uh-you don't have to wait for me” 

And then Aleks climbed into his car, ignoring whatever Brett was about to say before he revved the engine and pulled out of the lot, Brett watching him go. 

Aleks phone dinged in the cup holder a few minutes later and his heart skipped a beat when he glanced at it. 

Brett- Be safe, see you tonight 

Aleks began to hang out around the warehouse. 

He tried to pretend that he wanted to be there and not just because it’s the only place he has to go besides Brett’s apartment. 

He people watched mostly, chilled with Brett or James when they were free. Lindsay kept him company sometimes at that long kitchen table and they'd chat, mostly about the stupid shit Brett and James do. 

Joe is nice, nicer than anyone Aleks has ever met and they'd play video games along with Trevor whenever they weren't terribly busy around the warehouse. 

Brett made a joke one night about him being the office cat, everyone likes him and he doesn't do much except lay around and chill, Aleks blushed and Brett laughed harder. 

Aleks liked them too, even though he wouldn’t say it out loud. 

They have a party one night and Brett drags him along. It was just them, nothing super special, just that for once everyone was free at the same time so it called for drinks. 

The entire crew made their way up the ladder and onto the roof. Some old bricks had been built into a small fire pit and a few camping chairs had been set up around it as they all chilled and drank, music playing from a Bluetooth speaker. 

Aleks wasn’t drunk yet, just enough to be comfortable as he sat back in his chair and burrowed down in his jacket, watching Anna and Trevor as they tried to roast a marshmallow on the end of a kitchen knife. 

Behind him Joe and Brett were chatting about something and James was in a longer, double seater across from him immersed in his phone. 

Aleks stared into the flames as Trevor pulled his arm back again with a gasp, the knife wasn't long enough to get a good char on the marshmallow and Anna kept scolding him. Aleks chuckled at them and took another drink from his bottle. 

Joe plopped into the empty chair next to him with a smile and Aleks watched as Brett joined James on the other chair, arm falling around the younger’s shoulder immediately. 

James relaxed into it, and the two began to talk about something but Aleks couldn't hear, their voices a whisper as James leaned up close to his ear. 

Brett smiled and James smiled and then James was pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and Aleks gulped. 

They seemed so happy , smiling at each other like they were in their own little world before James turned back to his phone. 

He remembered the last time he was on a roof with Brett, tried to play off the shiver that ran through his body as he stood, downing the last of his drink as he moved to the hatch leading back inside. 

He hid himself away in the bathroom for a bit, trying to stave off what he assumed to be a panic attack as the words Brett had spit at him that night played over and over in his head. 

You really are just a lost cause

I hope you have fun rotting away in that basement 

I love you and I don't want to see you get hurt

Aleks splashed water on his face and it shocked him back to reality. 

He tried to breathe, wiped off his face and then he slipped out of the bathroom. 

Brett was waiting for him when he came out because of course he was. 

“You okay?” Brett asked from where he was leaning against the wall next to the ladder. 

“Fine, just needed to piss” Aleks said with a shrug. 

Brett was studying him and Aleks wished he’d stop. 

“I’m uh, I'm actually about to get out of here so-” Aleks trailed off as he cleared his throat and jutted his thumb in the direction of the door. 

“Leaving so soon?” Brett challenged and Aleks nodded, already heading towards the kitchen table where his keys were laying. 

“Yeah I'm uh, I'm tired as shit man. You can get a ride back right?”

Brett just nodded, arms crossed as he continued to stare at Aleks. 

“Yeah I'll be fine don't worry, you sure you're good to drive?” 

Aleks nodded and grabbed his keys, trying not to feel bad for abandoning Brett but he had to get out, couldn't let himself fall apart in front of him. 

“I’ll see you in a while” Aleks said as he headed for the door. 

“I’ll try to be quiet when I come in” Brett called after him as he slammed the door. 

From the parking lot he could just barely hear the others talking and laughing on the roof, the glow of the fire a faint hew on the skyline. 

He tried to ignore it as he pulled out of the parking lot, down the street, and then he got stopped at a red light. 

His hands were shaking on the steering wheel and he couldn’t make them stop. From the cup holder his phone dinged and he knew it was Brett without looking. 

Aleks screamed into the emptiness of his car until the light turned green. 

Aleks wandered into the apartment around three AM.  

He had ended up just driving around for a while before stopping at the beach. 

It was late enough that nobody was really out on the sand, mainly just milling around the boardwalk. 

He stumbled out far enough that the crash of waves drowned out the arcade machines and crowd noise, until it was just him and his thoughts. 

He sat there for a while just flipping his phone between his hands and thinking about everything. 

He thought about his family and friends back in Russia and how they were doing. He thought about Jordan and the others and wondered what they were up to. He thought about Brett and that night on the roof and how cold he had been.

 Thought about when they had first met years ago, how James’ laugh back then was contagious, how the mystery that surrounded Brett was so intriguing. How he first saw him and James kiss in secret and how James had so casually kissed him tonight in public, how happy they had seemed afterwards…

He thought about how warmly Brett smiled whenever he walked into the apartment and found Aleks on the couch, about how warm it made Aleks feel.

He was in love with Brett, that was for sure. 

maybe he always had been and maybe he had always ignored it because of Jordan. Maybe Brett had always loved him too, but not anymore obviously. 

He had said so on the roof, because I love you, but he had also said how tired he was, how much of a lost cause Aleks was. He had obviously moved on, done with waiting around for the younger to get his shit together. 

Aleks would be lying if he said it didn’t hurt. 

He let himself cry this time, it was terrifying, being forced to face how he truly feels...but it was dark and just him and the sand and the ocean. 

Aleks made his decision, or maybe it was made for him, like everything else in his life. 

He was in the middle of a phone call when Brett texted, asking where he was and Aleks took that as his que to head home. 

Brett was still awake at the kitchen table, already in some pajama pants and eyes straining to read whatever was on the screen. 

“Look who the cat dragged in” Brett greeted with a small smile as he pulled his glasses off and stretched his arms above his head. 

Aleks just kind of nodded, hands hidden in the pockets of his jacket as he leaned against the wall. 

“You hungry or anything?” Brett asked as he stood and closed his laptop, moving to the fridge. 

Aleks shook his head “Why are you still up?” 

Brett shrugged and tossed a bottle of water to him anyway as he closed the fridge and wandered over to the couch. 

“So...where’d you go?” 

Aleks shrugged and sat down on the couch while Brett lounged next to him.

“Drove around some, sat on the beach for awhile, thought a lot” 

“Well that’s dangerous,” Brett joked with a small nod. 

Aleks cracked a small smile but it fell quickly when the two just looked at each other for a bit, both trying to read each other's thoughts. 

“I uh, I made some calls, got in contact with some old friends”. Aleks replied as he ripped his eyes away. 

“Oh yeah? Anyone I know?” 

Aleks shook his head. 

“No, these are uh-old old friends…” 

Aleks pulled at the collar of his t-shirt and Brett looked at him curiously. 

“Aleks-” 

“I think I'm going to go back to Russia” 

Now that...was not what Brett was expecting.

Aleks could see the shock in his face and it only made the younger panic more, he was already terrified to tell Brett, to even say it out loud. 

“I-I thought a lot tonight Brett about like, everything and I realized that...well I've kind of just been a prisoner these last five years haven't I? Like, I came to this country and basically all I've known, all I've had was that fucking basement and-and him and the others and robberies and heists and that's it isn't it? That's all I've been for five years but-but back in Moscow I have family and-and friends like, I called my friend Raven tonight right? And he was so fucking happy to hear from me Brett, he wants me to come back so bad and so do my other friends, he said he’d even let me stay with him, get me some work and I just- I miss that I miss being happy with what I'm doing, even when I was doing stuff like this over there at least I was doing it with my family” 

Aleks hadn't noticed Brett had moved until he was right in front of him sitting on the coffee table. 

He also had gathered Aleks’ hands in his, apparently he was shaking too but that had slipped his mind as well. 

“Dude you need to breathe ” Brett replied as he tried to calm him down. 

Aleks nodded and tried to breath, looking anywhere but at Brett. His mind felt like static and he tried to concentrate on not passing out. 

It felt like an eternity before he finally felt slightly better, glancing up at Brett and seeing the concern in his eyes made him wish he had just passed out. 

“Aleks” Brett tried, voice quiet and flat so as not to startle. He squeezed Aleks hands between his until the younger finally looked up again. 

“Aleks…going home, going back to Russia, is that what you want?” 

What Aleks wants is to kiss Brett right now, to make him stop talking and make them both stop thinking. 

Aleks knows that can never happen though, he promised himself that night with Brett on Chiliad, he had James now and Aleks was going to make sure they were happy before he left. 

“Yes” he said, doing his best to look Brett in the eye. 

He can tell Brett doesn’t believe him, can see it in the squint, but Brett doesn’t say anything about it. 

“When are you leaving?” 

Aleks shrugged and looked away again, pulling his hands from Brett’s grasp gently. 

“Whenever I want to I guess. My friend he’s got a spare room that’s empty so I just need to make the call and he’ll be ready for me”

Brett nodded and he moved his hand to Aleks’ knee, brows drawn together in thought. 

Aleks tried to ignore the warmth he felt at the touch, fighting the urge to just jump him right then and there. 

“Stay for the job, one last hit with your best friends, go out with a bang before you leave” 

Aleks looked at him in shock. He thought Brett would argue, maybe beg him to stay, maybe Aleks had been too hopeful. 

It made him want to refuse, to go and steal his shit back from Jordan right now and grab a red eye, but the look in Brett’s eyes kept him frozen in place. 

Aleks could never really say no to Brett, no matter the circumstances. 

“Okay” he whispered and Brett’s smile felt like a reward. 

Life became a whirlwind. 

James was pissed about Aleks wanting to leave, told him he had family, a place, right here with them, but none the less he ecstatic that he was going to at least be in on the job. 

The prep was in full force now and more and more cars were coming in to supplement their income while all their resources went to the planning. 

Aleks helped Trevor with some of his chop jobs, stopping the younger from injuring himself one to many times, and once in a while he would help Joe and the girls with research.

This was going to be the crew's first big job since becoming a legit thing, even though they still didn’t have a name. Aleks had asked about it at the get together on the roof awhile back but James had just laughed and said they were still figuring it out. 

Because he had been hanging around more, actually helping with things, Brett and him had been spending a lot more time together. 

Aleks did his best to keep his distance, trying to silently tell the older man to focus on James , but he couldn’t deny that the smile Brett gave him whenever he saw him made him feel something . 

The heist was getting closer and closer every day and things were becoming more set in stone and so was Aleks’ spot in the group. 

He tried his best not to get attached or anything, didn’t even know if the others knew he wouldn't be around afterwards, but they were a fun group when they weren’t working. They actually went out a did shit unlike the others, always playing fucking cards.

Aleks knew deep down that this ending would probably be just as painful as the last. 

He was half asleep on the couch when Brett came back from the warehouse. Most people had gone home by the time he and James had forced him out, something about a meeting which was probably code for fucking but Aleks couldn’t be sure. 

He ate some leftovers, showered, turned on the TV and was almost asleep when he felt something move his legs. 

Brett was at the end of the couch with a beer in his hand and Aleks’ legs across his lap. 

“Brett?” He mumbled, he went to stretch his arms out, try to wake himself up, but he found he was also suddenly under a blanket. 

He hadn’t had it before and the thought that Brett had covered him up made him blush. 

“Go back to sleep” Brett hushed as he gently squeezed Aleks’ ankle, leaving his hand right there on his leg as he watched whatever was on the TV. 

This was all too intimate for the younger but he was also too tired to care. Brett’s hand all too warm to ignore as he settled himself back into his pillow and closed his eyes. 

Tomorrow he would have a crisis about it, but for now he just wanted to sleep. 

The job was tomorrow. 

Everything had been going to plan until about a week ago when Brett and Aleks showed up to the warehouse and found a very pissed off James. 

“The party has been moved back to the MAZE, apparently they miscounted the attendance and it’s small enough for them to hold at home on their conference floor”. 

It had been unexpected but in the end, an easy work around. The vault they were hitting was ten floors above the party and Aleks was being moved from runner to lookout. He and Joe would be dressed up and infiltrate the party and keep watch for any signs of trouble while the rest hit the vault. They just needed to account for the extra security and they were good. 

They adjusted the plan, reworked their roles; Anna would stay back and have her infirmary ready for them like always, just in case, although none of them expected any trouble. 

Trevor wanted to have a little get together before the job, one more little party before they did their first heist, before they made a name for themselves. 

The others were hesitant, wanting to be sharp for tomorrow...but all of them slowly agreed, needing to relax before it all went down in the AM. 

Trevor and Joe went out and grabbed a case of beer and everyone just chilled around the lobby playing video games and going light on the drinks. 

Aleks was laughing with Lindsay over a game of Smash when he caught James and Brett in the mirror on the wall. 

They were leaning against the back wall by the door, facing each other and James with a beer in hand. 

Nobody else was paying attention to them except Aleks and he felt as if he was almost intruding, watching as Brett put his hand on James cheek and thumbed at the skin under his eye. 

James laughed, said something Aleks couldn't hear over the others yelling about the game, and then Brett leaned in and kissed him. 

It was a real kiss this time, not just some peck on the cheek, and James melted into it curling himself closer to Brett as he kissed back. 

Aleks felt that familiar knot forming in his stomach again and he felt, what...anger? Jealousy? Longing? He wasn't sure. All he knew for sure was that he promised himself he would give them space to figure themselves out and it seemed like his plan had worked. 

Good for them he forced himself to think as he swallowed hard. 

“Aleks, are you paying attention?!” Lindsay yelled as she nudged him hard in the side, forcing him to rip his eyes away from the mirror and focus on the game again. 

“I-uh yeah sorry” he muttered as he fought back the blush on his face and Lindsay started up a new match. 

When Aleks glanced back at the mirror they were just talking again, sharing a laugh and looking at each other like they were the only two people in the universe. 

Aleks wishes he could have that. 

Aleks left their little get together early once James and Brett wandered off to the kitchen, telling everyone else that he wanted to go and get some sleep before the big day. 

They wished him well as he hurried out and when he was pulling through the gate he thought he could see James standing by the door but he pretended he didn't.  

Brett came home an hour or so later and found Aleks on the couch in the middle of a phone call. 

He did his best to be quiet as he came in, giving the younger a nod as he sat his stuff down by the door and kicked off his boots. 

Aleks was speaking Russian and smiling and Brett hadn’t seen him smile like that in forever. 

As he was hanging his jacket up Aleks finished the call with a happy sigh before he finally twisted around on the couch so he could look at Brett. 

“That your friend?” Brett asked as he wandered into the kitchen to keep his hands busy. 

“Yeah he’s so fucking excited to get together again, already has my room set up apparently and we’re trying to figure out when the best time for me to show up is, it’s fucking freezing over there right now” 

“When is it not?” Brett muttered as he slammed the fridge door closed just a bit too hard.

Aleks flinched and stared at Brett as he moved around the kitchen. 

He seemed...agitated? Not exactly angry but his face was set in a frown suddenly and his shoulders seemed hunched, hands moving just a bit too carelessly as he pretended to be busy with the dishes in the sink. 

“Are-Are you okay?” Aleks asked carefully as he stood from the couch and slowly approached him, leaning a hand on the edge of the island that separated the space. 

“Why wouldn't I be?” Brett asked, keeping his back to Aleks as things continued to clack around in the sink. 

“You just, you seem kind of upset” he tried, picking his words carefully as he watched for any sort of reaction. 

Brett just huffed and they stood in silence for a moment. 

“Was it...did you and James have a fight or something?” 

Brett slammed his hands on the counter and Aleks jumped, something shattering in the sink. 

“Stop talking about him” 

Brett finally turned and his face was set in a glare. 

“Just shut up about James and shut up about your friend” 

Aleks’ froze on the spot and he let out a shaky breath.

“Brett-” 

Brett rubbed at his face before huffing again. 

“You just-you don’t get it do you? You never fucking get it” 

“Brett I don’t-” 

Brett was kissing him then, moving forward before Aleks could even react. 

Aleks gasped into it as Brett wrapped his arms low around his waist and pulled him into his chest. 

It was a harsh kiss, mostly teeth but neither of them seemed to mind. 

Aleks braced his hands against Brett’s chest and pushed just a bit and Brett finally relented, both of them gasping for air as the older crowded him back against the wall and pressed his forehead to Aleks’

“Don’t go back to Russia” 

Aleks felt the air leave his lungs as they locked eyes. 

Aleks could feel tears forming but he didn't know why. “Brett-”

“ Please just, don’t go we don’t want you to go just-” 

Brett kissed him again and it was much softer this time but still quick, just as desperate. 

He pulled away again and they were both panting, eyes locked as they searched each other's gaze for an answer. 

Aleks had never seen him like this, so sad and vulnerable, it almost scared him. 

There were so many things he wanted to say, confess every thought and feeling he had had since the day they met, but instead he slowly moved and wrapped his arms around Brett’s neck and pulled him in again. 

Brett’s mood changed quickly and he grabbed Aleks by the hips and began to walk them back towards his bed. 

Aleks had never felt this good before, just a kiss setting his whole body on fire. He never had anything like this with Jordan or anyone before him and it was already driving him crazy. 

They hit the edge of the bed and Aleks pulled away one more time. 

“What about James?” he whispered as Brett grabbed him by the waist and practically threw him onto the bed. 

“This isn’t about him” was all he got as Brett kneeled over him and pulled off his shirt. 

Aleks was too mesmerized to argue. 

Aleks woke up in the middle of the night because of a dream he already couldn’t remember. 

The apartment was dark and silent besides the endless city noise Los Santos could never kick fighting it’s way through the kitchen window. 

Brett was breathing evenly next to him, laying on his back with his arm stretched out, pillowing Aleks’ head, both of them barely clothed and wrapped in the same sheet. 

Aleks just stared at him for a bit, he thought he’d be anxious when he woke up after what they did, and he probably will be later, but at this moment, in the dark silence he felt weirdly content. 

Brett looked so peaceful when he slept now, Aleks only remembered how he looked before, when he was coming down from a high and fighting the demons that wracked his brain. 

He was calm , face soft and Aleks wanted to reach out and rub between his eyebrows like he used to but there was no need now. 

The longing feeling was back, warmth blooming through Aleks’ chest the longer he starred, he wished things weren’t so complicated. 

His phone buzzing next to his head shocked him out of the moment. 

He climbed out of the bed as carefully as possible, stopping as Brett rolled over towards the wall, before he snatched his phone and made his way into the kitchen. 

There was a small stool under the window and he stepped up as he pushed it open and climbed out onto the fire escape. 

It was a bit chilly for him to be standing outside in just his boxers but he ignored it as he finally read whose name was on the screen. 

His heart seized for a moment before he finally pressed answer and put the phone to his ear. 

“Jordan?” he whispered into the night as the other side stayed quiet besides soft breathing. 

Aleks crossed his arms across his chest to ward off the slight chill as he listened. 

“Jordan, are you going to say anything?” he asked again and Jordan sighed long and low on the other end. 

“Come home Aleks” 

Aleks’ breath stuttered as he mulled the words over. 

“I-Aleksandar I can’t do this without you, please I-I’m so sorry for what happened just, I love you sweetheart and I-I miss you” 

Jordan didn't sound like he was going to cry but he did sound tired, his words slurring just a bit. 

Aleks figured he had probably been drinking. 

Aleks took a deep breath and let the line go quiet for a moment. He glanced back through the window, could see Brett had moved again, restless like always. 

He studied his features for a moment before he finally turned back to look out over the city. 

“I am home Jordan, don't call me again” 

Jordan let out a small noise and something, possibly glass, clinked in the background. 

“You’ll regret this” he said, tone suddenly hard and malicious. 

Aleks shuddered but thankfully nobody could see it. His own features hardened and he clenched his fist at his side. 

“ Goodbye Jordan”

And then he hung up, letting out a shaky breath as he tried to compose himself. 

Aleks wasn't scared of him, not anymore, but that voice, it still rattled him. 

He tried to shake it off though, rubbing his arms as a bit of wind came by and chilled him once more. 

He slipped back through the window and shut it as quietly as possible, abandoning his phone on the counter as he slowly moved back to the bed. 

He paused for just a moment, looking between Brett and the door, the anxiety he thought of earlier slowly beginning to ebb its way into his brain. 

He could just slip out now. It was early but he could drive around for a bit, catch a few more hours of sleep in his car, finally have the panic attack that he knew he was going to have once Brett decided to shove him into the sheets earlier in the night. 

Brett shifted in bed once again and they locked eyes, Aleks freezing to the spot. 

Brett didn’t say a word, eyes barely open as he lifted his arms towards Aleks, a silent yet heavy question. 

Did he indulge or did he run? 

Aleks slipped back into bed without a word, letting Brett pull him into his chest and wrap his arms around him as he pulled the blankets up further to cocoon them in warmth. 

Aleks fell back asleep almost immediately, lulled by Brett’s heartbeat. 

The day of the heist Brett woke up alone. 

Aleks had run because of course he did, Brett had expected it but he had also hoped maybe he wouldn't, maybe he would stay in his arms forever. 

But Aleks was Aleks and he would still rather ignore his issues and maybe face them later on. 

The heist was a good excuse for that. 

They prepped all day and Aleks strategically kept away from Brett and James unless absolutely necessary. 

By nightfall they all had the plan practically memorized word for word and by nightfall they were on their way to the MAZE, Anna wishing them all good luck as they went. 

Aleks and Joe showed up in a flashy car they had acquired for the job while the others were disguised in a van down the road, just waiting for the two of them to get comfortable at the party. 

They were posed as investment bankers, new to the city and ready to make some money. Both dressed in a simple black suit and a fancy and intricate masquerade mask that covered only their eyes. 

Almost everyone there was dressed just the same, a few colorful suits and dresses here and there but otherwise black tie.

“Who the hell came up with a black tie Halloween party?” Aleks muttered as he and Joe slipped into the party and grabbed some drinks, hoping to look the part that they had studied for. 

“Pretentious bitches that's who” James muttered back through the comm in his ear and Aleks had to fight back the smirk. 

“Are you guys settled in? Ready for us to make some noise while y'all keep watch?” Lindsay askes next and Aleks could hear the cock of a gun on the other end. 

“Yeah we are all good, you guys get going and be quick” Joe replied as he and Aleks began to fake a conversation, praying nobody would come to bother them.

“Good luck everyone” Brett muttered and then the comm’s went silent besides the sound of shuffling feet and clanking equipment. 

The job was going smoothly, an update coming in every few minutes as Joe and Aleks wandered to opposite sides of the room, skirting around the edge of the crowd as casually as possible. 

They were in the vault now, no problems with security so far and the lock boxes were popping open as if they were cardboard. Money, jewels, bonds, they were stuffing them away into duffle bags with ease. 

“Almost done here, prepare to vacate” James said and Aleks nodded to himself, setting his glass on a passing tray as he moved to find Joe. 

As he walked another body suddenly ran into him, shoulder checking him hard as they passed. 

Aleks turned to apologize, head turning just quickly enough to catch their face and he froze, even behind the mask he could never forget that smirk. 

It was Sly. 

The other man didn’t say a word as he slipped back into the crowd and Aleks was suddenly in overdrive. 

“Get out now The Hub is here” he hissed into the comm as he finally found Joe again. 

“What?!” Brett and James practically yelled in unison. 

And then the lights went out. 

People gasped and a few women screamed and the band stopped suddenly as the emergency lights kicked on, bathing everyone in a red glow. 

Some older, well dressed man was getting on the stage and began to reassure everyone that things would be okay. 

“Fuck they’re here they’re here!” James yelled and then the comm's went static. 

Aleks felt his stomach drop as Joe grabbed him hard by the arm and pulled him in close. 

“Go help the others I'll go get the van ready” 

Aleks nodded and while the crowd was distracted and murmuring the two of them slipped away. 

Aleks ripped his mask off and pulled his gun from his waistband as he made his way through darkened and glowing red hallways, hurrying along the route the others had taken. 

He had to hide from security a few times but he was almost to the office that held the vault and his crew. 

He hurried through a forked hallway, ducking for just a moment as a few guards ran past. He was about to round the corner but stopped when the cold barrel of a gun pressed into the side of his head. 

“Hey babe, long time no see” Jordan said calmly as he emerged from the shadows and moved Aleks forward easily. 

Suddenly Aleks’ comm was crackling back to life and Trevor was yelling hurriedly. 

“Aleks where are you?! The rest of us are on our way down the south stairwell, fire alarms are going off at the party and everyone is being evacuated! We took care of those Hub dudes and we have the score, Brett is on his way to find you” 

Jordan could see the distracted look on Aleks face and when he noticed the comm he ripped it from Aleks’ ear. 

Aleks gasped and flinched away as Jordan crushed it under his shoe. 

Aleks turned to face Jordan fully and the gun moved to his chest, Aleks dropped his gun and put his hands up and tried to control the tremors that were threatening to start. 

“Hey Jordan '' he replied as easily as possible, the two of them just staring at each other in contempt. 

“So this is where you ended up huh? Knew you three where up to something” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about man, I was just here to enjoy a Halloween party”

Jordan pressed the gun harder against his chest and Aleks gulped. 

“Why are you here Jordan? Since when does The Hub do bank jobs?” He finally asked, anything to buy himself some time. 

“Since we got word some new unnamed group was going to do it. Me and my boys gotta get back in good graces with those Fakes and Ramsey said this was the best way to do that” 

Aleks scoffed. 

“You really believe the Fakes still want to work with you after what you tried to pull? You really are an idiot” 

Jordan glared but it turned into a smirk quick enough. 

“If the vault score isn’t enough I'm sure they’ll love to have one of the no names from this mysterious new crew, someone they can rough up and force some answers out of” 

Aleks’ paled and Jordan chuckled, moving forward to grab Aleks by his shoulder. 

“Just a bit longer and my boys will have the vault cleared and you and I will be taking a nice long drive” Jordan said as he began to try and push Aleks back down the hallway. 

Aleks froze and almost laughed, turning to face Jordan once again with a smirk. Glancing down he saw the familiar radio strapped to Jordan's hip. The delayed responses you get with those things, the interference of radio channels, Aleks had hated using them when he was at The Hub but Jordan hated change and liked keeping it old school. Obviously he hadn't been able to hear what Trevor had said and Aleks couldn’t believe the stupidity he was facing off with right now, how had he almost married this guy? 

“You guys still don’t use comm’s huh?” 

Jordan gave him a curious look before it clicked and his eyes widened. He reached down to the radio and turned the knob, calling out for the others, but all he got was static.

Aleks’ smirk widened but it fell when Jordan’s face turned to anger and he quickly raised his arm to strike once again. 

Aleks tried to stop it but it was too late, the power and courage he had suddenly gained leaving in an instant as the butt of the gun came down across his face.

Jordan growled as he watched Aleks hit the floor, head smacking into the marble tile as the whole world turned sideways. 

Somewhere between fading in and out of consciousness he heard a few things and saw some others, mostly blurs and shapes; he thought he heard the click of a gun and then maybe Brett's voice? Thought he saw two bodies standing over him. He heard yelling and some sort of scuffle, and then unknown voices, maybe the cops screaming out “LSPD!” So definitely the cops. There was something wet falling down the side of his face too but he couldn't move his arms to wipe it away.

The last thing Aleks’ fully remembers is someone or something tripping over him and then he was being picked up and he was moving fast or maybe it was slow? He really couldn’t tell as he finally succumbed to his head injury and the world went totally black. 

When he woke up next he was in a hospital bed. 

The world swam back to him slowly and he groaned as he tried to sit up. 

“Be careful you’re still sore” Anna soothed as she got him to lay down again. 

So he was at the warehouse, hidden away in Anna’s little infirmary. He had a bandage across his cheek where the metal of the gun had sliced him but otherwise he was fine besides a dull headache. 

“Is everyone okay?” he asked as he coughed, throat dry for disuse. 

Anna nodded and helped him drink a bit of water before she stuck her head out the glass doors. 

“Hey, he’s awake!” 

She smiled at him and squeezed his arm before slipping out the other set of doors and into the lobby. 

Brett replaced her quickly and he looked so relieved when he finally laid eyes on Aleks. 

“Hey slugger” he joked as he grabbed Anna’s swivel chair and sat down next to the bed. 

“Shut up I am in so much pain” Aleks mumbled as he rubbed at his forehead, feeling a slight bump. 

“Yeah Anna said you have a concussion, just need to rest a bit longer and take it easy for awhile and you should be good” Brett said with a small laugh as he rolled back over to Anna’s desk and grabbed the newspaper that was folded up. 

“What the fuck happened man?” Aleks asked as he sat himself up against his pillow a bit more. 

“See for yourself” Brett said with a smirk as he tossed the paper onto Aleks lap. 

The headline read CRIMINALS CRASH MAZE BANK HALLOWEEN PARTY

Aleks’ eyes widened and he glanced at Brett, who was still just smirking, before he turned back to the paper and dragged his finger down the story. 

A group calling themselves The Hub are seemingly responsible for a massive heist that took place over the Halloween weekend at Maze Bank's headquarters in PillBox Hill. 

Known by the LSPD to be a small-time car theft ring, the group were taken into custody late last night just outside one of the bank vaults. Over six million in cash and jewels were stolen. 

Sources within the LSPD say that those in custody have claimed they have nothing to do with the stolen goods and have tried to pin the crime on a rival group but detectives have so far been unable to substantiate these claims. 

“Holy fuck ” Aleks exclaimed as Brett clapped his hands together and laughed happily. 

“James wants to frame it, put it up here in the warehouse” 

Aleks couldn’t stop the laugh that broke free but he had to force it to as the pain in his head pulsed and he rubbed at the skin with a groan. 

Brett chuckled and rubbed at Aleks’ shoulder without thinking. 

Aleks froze and looked at the hand and then at Brett and Brett seemed to realize what he had done and pulled away as he stood. 

“Well we uh, we’ll hold off on the celebration until you’re better, don’t want to leave you out or anything. James wanted to see you when you woke up to I'll go grab him-” 

“Brett” Aleks interrupted, forcing him to stop where he was halfway out the door. They locked eyes and both of them felt the tension in the air. 

“Thank you, for getting me out of there” 

Brett visibly relaxed and he smiled again, warmth blooming in Aleks’ chest once more. 

“Don’t mention it” 

And then he disappeared back into the warehouse. 

It took about a week and a half for Aleks to get through his concussion but once Anna cleared him the crew partied hard .

It went late into the night but it was chill like their pre-heist party, the energy was even better though and everyone was pretty damn drunk. 

Trevor and James were yelling on the couch as they played Mario Kart, the others cheering them on. 

Aleks leaned against the back wall and joined in on the cheering, laughing his ass off when James lost and immediately tried to punch Trevor in the arm. 

It was fun, he was having fun for the first time in forever and it was a weird but welcome feeling. Aleks would even go so far as to say he was comfortable , just content with standing and watching as his friends played a video game and celebrated their first big job. 

His friends…

Aleks had been avoiding that word for awhile, too scared to get attached like he had before, but maybe he should stop avoiding it. 

Aleks downed the last of his drink and set it on the window sill before he moved across the room and slipped into Anna’s infirmary, social anxiety suddenly getting the best of him and requesting a quicker breather. 

He sighed as he closed the door behind him, blinds clattering as he went and flopped into Anna’s swivel chair and pulled out his phone, idly rocking side to side as he scrolled through Twitter. 

He didn’t know how long he sat there before the door opened again and Brett was stepping inside. 

Aleks gave him a dopey smile, drunk enough to ignore the anxiety rising up in him again as the door was shut once more. 

They still hadn’t talked about what happened and Aleks knew it had to happen eventually. 

Brett smiled back and leaned against the door. 

“You know we need to talk right?” 

Aleks sighed and nodded, doing one big spin in the chair as Brett moved and sat on the edge of the bed. 

“Are you mad at me?” Brett asked and Aleks was somewhat surprised. 

“No” 

“Do you regret what happened?” 

Aleks sighed again and rubbed at his forehead. 

“No I just...I feel kind of bad I guess?”  

Brett looked at him curiously, head turned slightly like a puppy and it almost made Aleks laugh. Maybe they where both to drunk or this. 

“I well, I mean I know you said at the time...just I feel bad cause you and James are obviously a thing and I-” 

Brett groaned and buried his face in his hands. 

“Oh my fucking god Aleks are you serious? You literally let me fuck you and you still don’t get it? Are you seriously this dense?” 

Aleks blushed and shut up, watching as Brett stood from his spot on the bed and loomed over him. 

Brett reached out and tilted Aleks’ head up by his chin and the younger gulped, warmth burning in his chest and on his face. 

“Aleks, James and I are dating, yes, but I want you, James wants you, we want you. Do you get what I'm saying?” 

Oh.

Oh

Aleks’ eyes widened and it felt like he had just been hit with a brick. 

“Oh” he muttered and Brett smirked at him. 

“Stand up idiot” 

Aleks did as he was told and Brett dragged him into a kiss, pulling him tight against him as Aleks wrapped his arms around Brett’s neck without a second thought. 

Brett chuckled against his lips before pulling him closer by his hips and Aleks moaned into it, letting Brett crowd him against the edge of the desk as he pressed closer. They were both hard and it shocked him just a bit but it didn’t scare him off. 

“So you guys have definitely made up” 

Aleks startled and tried to pull away but Brett kept him close, both turning to find James leaning in the doorway. 

“What did I say about eavesdropping dickhead?” Brett muttered as James shut the door behind himself. 

“Yeah yeah whatever so did you guys talk? Are we all good?” 

Brett chuckled and slipped around Aleks with a devious smirk on his face, pressing against his back while his hands played with the waistband of Aleks' jeans. 

“What do you think?” 

James smirked and Aleks let out a shaky breath as James crowded into the space in front of him and hooked his arms around Aleks’ neck, playing with the short hair at the base. 

“I think, the three of us have wasted a ton of time and we should definitely make up for it” 

“Agreed” Brett replied as he kissed behind Aleks’ ear, hands sliding under his t-shirt and rucking it up. 

James looked at him expectantly with a soft smile. 

“A-Agreed” Aleks muttered through a shiver and he could feel Brett’s smile against his skin. 

James smiled wider and then he was kissing him and it was so different but just as wonderful, tasting like pure vodka and maybe Redbull. 

Aleks had never felt so safe and loved? Was that what this was? Possibly, maybe in time, but for now he was just happy and content and it felt good . 

“Can you three please not fuck in my infirmary?” Anna’s voice asked from the door and they quickly broke apart, James laughing as she stood with her arms crossed, pout clear on her face. 

“Sorry sorry we’re getting out of here, see you tomorrow yeah?” James replied for them as he began to make his way out of the room, Brett leading a somewhat dazed Aleks out behind him. 

The others made some oooh’s but Brett flipped them all off with a laugh as he and James led Aleks out the door, shouting a goodbye as the party continued on without them. 

The parking lot was quiet and the chill of the fall night snapped Aleks back to reality just enough to recognize James dragging him back in for another drunken kiss. 

“ Fuck ” Aleks muttered as he pulled back from it, both of them stumbling as James wrap his arms around him. 

“If you want, Brett already had his fun with you it’s my turn...if you want to that is we aren’t gonna like force you or anything-” 

“James shut the fuck up” Aleks interrupted and it made both of them laugh. 

Brett sidled up next to them, tossing two sets of keys in his hands. 

Aleks realized Brett seemed sober, had he even drank at all tonight!? Did these fuckers plan this? Probably...Aleks wouldn’t be surprised if they did but he was to fucked up to really put much thought behind it. 

“Whose place we going to?” 

“I have a bigger bed” James said, wiggling his eyebrows at Aleks. 

“Yeah but you also have that fucking dog, she’s gonna scratch at the door the whole time like last time” Brett complained. 

“You got a dog?!” Aleks exclaimed in shock, as he pulled away from where he was slumped against James’ chest. 

“Yeah she’s cute, you wanna meet her?” 

“Fuck yeah I do oh my god” Aleks muttered as he began to try and drag them towards James’ car. 

“James’ place it is then” Brett sighed in fake annoyance as he followed after his boys with a smile. 

“So you’re definitely not going to Russia now right?” 

Laying between them felt so right it was almost overwhelming for Aleks. 

It was dark besides the light drifting in from the open window and they were all crowded into James’ bed. 

James was propped up against the headboard and Aleks was laying on his chest, behind him Brett was out cold, soft snores breaking up the silence every once in a while. 

“I mean, I feel kind of bad for backing out on the plans I made with my friends but I’m not going to get any mind blowing threesomes over there so” Aleks replied quietly using his hands to mimic tipping scales, making James laugh quietly. 

“I’m sure they’ll understand” James replied as he slumped down closer to Aleks and passed him the blunt they had been sharing. 

"I'll make the call tomorrow" Aleks mumbled as he took a hit and pushed the smoke towards the ceiling.

James buried his nose in his hair, hand rubbing at his back gently. 

“You know you this-this isn’t just sex though right? Brett and I have, we’ve liked you for awhile Aleks and if you still want to leave we won’t-“

Aleks shut him up with a kiss, cupping his cheek with his free hand before pulling back and sticking the blunt between James’ lips. 

“I’m not going anywhere James” 

James smiled, inhaled the smoke and then pressed his mouth back to Aleks’. 

Aleks whined and let the smoke flow out of his mouth when James pulled back and pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

They locked eyes and Aleks almost wanted to tell him he loved him, but maybe it was still too soon. 

Instead they both broke into a fit of drug induced giggles and Brett reached back to smack at them. 

“Shut up, I told you fucks not to smoke in bed” he mumbled as he curled in on himself more. 

The two of them only giggled harder and Brett hid his head under the pillow. 

From the hallway Ein scratched at the door once more.